This preliminary draft was presented by Ione Belarra, Minister of Social Rights and Agenda 2030, and her team, and could come into force by the end of 2022.
The purpose of this Law is to regulate the recognition and protection of animal dignity by society, thereby regulating the behavior of people towards them as living beings within the social environment of coexistence.
ONE IN TWO FAMILIES LIVES WITH A PET
According to a study conducted by Veterindustria in collaboration with ANFAAC, one in two Spanish households lives with a pet. However, nearly 50% of these animals are not under official control, as they are not legally identified, which poses a risk to both their protection and public safety and health, according to the draft of the Law on the Protection and Rights of Animals itself.
THE NEW LAW SEEKS TO END ANIMAL ABUSE, SACRIFICE, AND ABANDONMENT
Therefore, the objective of this preliminary draft is to end the abuse, sacrifice, and abandonment that occurs in our country.
NEW PROPOSED MEASURES
Among the regulations proposed by this Law, we find:
- Limitation of pet breeding and sales.
- Ending the unjustified sacrifice of abandoned animals.
- Sterilization of animals will be required if two or more of opposite sexes live in the same household, aiming to prevent unwanted and uncontrolled breeding.
- Requirement for the registration of all pets to help reduce the number of abandonments. The idea is for pets to have their own identification document (DNI) to be registered in a database for greater control.
- Mandatory course for dog owners, to certify that they are capable of caring for an animal.
- Permission to remove a pet from its owner if they do not guarantee its healthy development and rights.
THE PET ID SEEKS TO END ABUSE AND ABANDONMENT
Regarding the pet ID, the Minister of Social Rights and Agenda 2030, Ione Belarra, indicates that it is necessary to have all pets identified to ensure that no animal is abandoned or mistreated in our country. This identification document will be mandatory, making it easier to track individuals who commit any harmful act towards an animal.
Some of the data to be collected in the document include the vaccination schedule, veterinary treatments, and the name of the animal's responsible party, among others. It will be a complementary accreditation to the microchip.
Currently, owners of dogs, cats, or ferrets are obliged to register them in the Municipal Register of Companion Animals of the City Council where they reside. All these registrations make up the Central Register of Companion Animals of each Autonomous Community, being part of the Spanish Network for the Identification of Companion Animals (REIAC).
THE DRAFT LAW ON ANIMAL PROTECTION AND RIGHTS IS A DRAFT AND MAY UNDERGO CHANGES
While it is true that the draft Law on Animal Protection and Rights is not final, as it may still undergo modifications. Over time, we will have more news on the subject, as well as on the DNI for pets.