Animal Welfare Law and Dogs: An Experiential Perspective

Hello! I'm Amadeo Perez, and today I want to talk to you about a topic that touches me very closely: the Animal Welfare Law in relation to our beloved dogs. Throughout my life, I have had multiple experiences that have allowed me to understand and analyze this regulation in depth.

What is the Animal Welfare Law?

The Animal Welfare Law is a regulation that seeks to guarantee the protection and welfare of animals, recognizing them as sentient beings and establishing obligations for their owners. In Spain, this law has undergone several modifications to adapt to current needs and promote responsible coexistence between humans and animals.

Principal Obligations for Dog Owners

If you have a dog, it is essential that you know the responsibilities involved in its ownership. The following are the most relevant:

1. Supervision and Companionship

You cannot leave your dog unsupervised for more than 24 consecutive hours. This measure seeks to avoid situations of abandonment and to guarantee that the animal receives the necessary attention.

2. Housing Conditions

It is prohibited to keep dogs on a regular basis in places such as terraces, balconies, rooftops, storage rooms, basements, patios and the like, or in vehicles. Your pet must have adequate space to provide comfort and safety.

3. Sterilization

If your dog has uncontrolled access to other animals, sterilization is mandatory to prevent uncontrolled reproduction. In addition, dogs that are to be given up for adoption must be sterilized prior to their surrender or subscribe to a sterilization commitment if they are not old enough to undergo surgery, according to veterinary criteria.

4. Identification and Registration

It is mandatory to identify your dog by means of a microchip and register it in the corresponding identification registry. This measure facilitates localization in case of loss and ensures compliance with health regulations.

5. Civil Liability Insurance

From January 2025, all dog owners in Spain are obliged to take out civil liability insurance to cover possible damages that the animal may cause to third parties. Fines for not complying with this obligation can reach up to 10,000 euros.

Specific Prohibitions

In addition to the obligations, the law establishes certain prohibitions that you must take into account:

1. Use of Injurious Collars

The use of collars that may cause injury to the animal, such as electric, impulse, punishment or choke collars, is prohibited. It is essential to use accessories that do not harm the health and well-being of your dog.

2. Aesthetic mutilations

Mutilations or permanent body modifications for aesthetic reasons are totally prohibited. They are only allowed if they are necessary for therapeutic reasons to ensure the health of the animal, duly accredited by a licensed veterinarian.

3. Sale in Pet Shops

The sale of dogs, cats and ferrets in pet stores is prohibited. These animals can only be acquired through registered breeders or through adoption in animal shelters. This measure seeks to encourage responsible adoption and avoid indiscriminate commercialization.

My Personal Experience

Let me share with you some anecdotes that illustrate the importance of these regulations.

The Day I Learned about Pet Supervision

A few years ago, a neighbor left his dog alone for a long weekend. The animal, feeling lonely and anxious, began barking incessantly and exhibiting destructive behaviors. Concerned neighbors had to intervene and contact the authorities. This incident made me realize the relevance of not leaving our pets alone for prolonged periods.

The Importance of Identification

On another occasion, I found a lost dog in the park. Because he was wearing a collar with his ID and was registered, I was able to quickly contact his owners and reunite them. This fact reinforces the need to properly identify our pets.

Final Thoughts

The Animal Welfare Act is not just a set of rules; it is a guide to ensure that our four-legged companions live in optimal conditions. As responsible owners, it is our duty to inform ourselves and comply with these regulations, thus ensuring a harmonious coexistence and the welfare of our dogs.

Remember, having a pet is a responsibility that involves commitment, time and dedication. Complying with the law is only part of it; providing love and care to our animals is fundamental for their happiness and health.