While it is still pending final approval in the Congress of Deputies, the new Animal Protection law continues to arouse doubts among users. In addition, the controversies that dot it do not cease, such as the one that concerns the exclusion of hunting dogs.
If we take into account that in Spain there are more pets than children in homes, it is not surprising that all pet owners want to know in detail how this new legislation affects them. Its main task is to combat abandonment and animal abuse, for which it adopts certain measures that you should know if you have pets.
One of the aspects included in the law is that the possession of certain species considered invasive will be prohibited. In the absence of knowing the official list, the inclusion of Vietnamese pigs, hedgehogs, spiders, reptiles in general, certain fish and exotic birds, as well as rodents such as rats, mice, guinea pigs, chinchillas and hamsters is expected.
This prohibition appeals to the fact that they cannot be acquired from now on, but if you already have any of these animals at home, you do not have to get rid of them. What you should do is notify the competent authority to identify your pet and keep their vaccinations up to date.
No more leaving the dog alone in the car for a few minutes while you go down to buy bread, as this will be sanctioned. Nor can you leave the dog alone at home without supervision for more than 24 hours. For the rest of pets, this time is extended up to three days.
In the event that your pet escapes, you must notify us of its absence within a maximum period of 48 hours. Otherwise, it will be considered as abandonment and will constitute a crime.
To adopt a pet it will be mandatory to take a free training course. If you already have it previously, you will have two years to pass this aptitude test, although it is not yet known what it will consist of. In addition, it will be mandatory to have civil liability insurance that covers the damage of your pet to third parties.
The exhibition and sale of animals in stores will be prohibited. For its commercialization, it will be mandatory to be registered as a breeder. In addition, it will be mandatory to sterilize companion animals to avoid unwanted litters.
The law prohibits the slaughter of companion animals without a duly justified cause, it can only be done for sanitary reasons and with veterinary control.
In addition, it toughens the sanctions and jail terms for abuse and abandonment. These will range from 18 to 36 months in prison, as well as fines between 500 and 200,000 euros depending on the seriousness of the crime.
