MADRID (AP) — Spain implemented a new animal welfare law on Friday that prohibits the use of animals in recreational activities that cause them pain and suffering. However, the law still allows for bullfights and hunting with dogs.
Spain has introduced its first comprehensive animal rights legislation to address instances of animal abuse, with a focus on mistreatment of domestic animals. The law includes hefty fines of up to 200,000 euros ($212,000).
The law prohibits the sale of pets in stores or online, with a grace period for existing stores to find homes for their animals. Moving forward, it will only be permitted to purchase pets from registered breeders. Additionally, the new regulations allow pets to enter most establishments, including restaurants and bars.
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The law also forbids the use of wild animals in circuses and allows owners six months to comply. However, it permits zoos to continue using marine mammals in dolphin shows until the animals pass away.
Bullfights are deeply ingrained in Spain’s cultural heritage.
There was a public outcry in some rural communities when a proposal to include hunting dogs in the law was announced, and the government eventually retracted that part of the legislation.
According to government statistics, Spain is home to approximately 29 million pets, mostly dogs. However, around 300,000 animals are abandoned each year, with about one-third of them euthanized.
The law also intends to introduce mandatory pet insurance and registration, as well as training for pet owners. However, due to the lack of a functioning government, the detailed administrative procedures for these requirements and other legal aspects have been delayed.
Spain’s general election in July resulted in a political impasse, with parties currently engaged in coalition-building discussions.
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