From the end of September, Spain is tightening the reins on pet ownership. The Spanish Government’s new Animal Welfare Law will change the status quo for many pet owners, effectively outlawing certain species from domestic environments. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Points:
- Enforcement Date: The new law will be enforced from September 29.
Notification Requirement: Owners have a six-month window to inform authorities about their prohibited pets.
New Homes for Prohibited Pets: Animals will be moved to wildlife protection centres, zoos, or animal protection entities.
List of Prohibited Pets: Includes amphibians, primates, certain reptiles, and larger mammals.
Fines and Penalties: Non-compliance could result in stiff fines and other penalties.
The Details of the New Law
This new regulation means that a variety of pets that were previously considered legal to own will become illegal from September 29 onwards. According to sources like OK Diario, this significant change in law aims to prioritise animal welfare and safeguard public health.
What the Law Means for Current Pet Owners
If you already own a pet that will be prohibited under the new law, you’re required to:
- Inform Authorities: You have a six-month window starting from September 29 to notify the competent authorities about your pet.
Relinquish Ownership: Your pet will be moved to a wildlife protection centre, zoo, or an appropriate animal protection entity.
New Spanish Animal Welfare Law: Is Your Pet on the Prohibited List?
From the end of September, Spain is tightening the reins on pet ownership. The Spanish Government’s new Animal Welfare Law will change the status quo for many pet owners, effectively outlawing certain species from domestic environments. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Points:
- Enforcement Date: The new law will be enforced from September 29.
- Notification Requirement: Owners have a six-month window to inform authorities about their prohibited pets.
- New Homes for Prohibited Pets: Animals will be moved to wildlife protection centres, zoos, or animal protection entities.
- List of Prohibited Pets: Includes amphibians, primates, certain reptiles, and larger mammals.
- Fines and Penalties: Non-compliance could result in stiff fines and other penalties.
This new regulation means that a variety of pets that were previously considered legal to own will become illegal from September 29 onwards. According to sources like OK Diario, this significant change in law aims to prioritise animal welfare and safeguard public health.
What the Law Means for Current Pet Owners
- If you already own a pet that will be prohibited under the new law, you’re required to:
- Inform Authorities: You have a six-month window starting from September 29 to notify the competent authorities about your pet.
- Relinquish Ownership: Your pet will be moved to a wildlife protection centre, zoo, or an appropriate animal protection entity.
List of Prohibited Pets
So, which pets are we talking about? Here’s a detailed list:
- Dangerous Creatures: Amphibians, fish, and arthropods whose venom or bite could be hazardous to human or animal health.
- Primates: All primate species are banned.
- Reptiles: Poisonous reptiles and those weighing more than two kilos as adults, barring turtles.
- Large Mammals: Wild mammals weighing more than five kilos in adulthood.
- Additional Restrictions: Species that are already banned by other community or national regulations.
- Marine Mammals: Although not typical household pets, cetacean species like whales, dolphins, and porpoises are also covered. Breeding and captivity are permitted only for conservation and research purposes.
Fines and Legal Repercussions
Non-compliance isn’t an option. Violators will face:
Financial Penalties: Fines for breaches in animal welfare standards.
Legal Action: Penalties for failing to register exotic animals and illegal possession.
Final Thoughts
It’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of these changes and act accordingly to ensure the well-being of their pets and the preservation of wildlife. This law is not merely regulatory but aims to promote a culture of responsibility, public awareness, and education about animal welfare.
