Good news for ARISTOPETS lovers from the Congress of Deputies. The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals comes into force on February 1. A regulation for animal welfare that has been in force in Europe since 1987 and which our country did not join until March of last year, with its publication in the BOE in October of the same year. Thanks to this agreement, it is forbidden to dock tails, crop ears, sever vocal cords, remove claws and teeth for aesthetic purposes or beyond healthy purposes.
The text prohibits surgical interventions for aesthetic or other non-curative purposes. Interventions with the sole purpose of improving the health and welfare of animals may only be carried out if considered necessary by a veterinarian for medical reasons, for the benefit of the animal, or to prevent its reproduction.
Furthermore, if the animal may suffer pain, only a competent veterinarian may administer anesthesia.
The Convention also decrees measures to reduce the number of abandoned animals. On this point, it states that:
– Permanent identification of dogs and cats will be carried out by appropriate means.
– Reduce unplanned reproduction of dogs and cats by encouraging their sterilization.
– Encourage those who find stray dogs or cats to report them to the competent authority.
With this Convention, Spain commits to improving information programs to promote responsible pet ownership. Greater attention will be paid to the breeding, training, trade, and custody of companion animals. Training must be carried out by qualified individuals.
Pets may not be given as gifts to minors under 16 years of age without the express consent of their parents or guardians. The use of animals for commercial, advertising, entertainment, and competition purposes will be regulated.
Dogs or cats may also not be given as prizes, rewards, or gratifications.
With the entry into force of this new law, Spain takes a big step forward in respecting animal rights. Recently, Congress approved another law in which animals ceased to be "things" to be considered living beings. Little by little, we are achieving great progress for the well-being of our ARISTOPETS.