Spain has a new law

The new bill to protect the rights and well-being of animals applies both to households that already have pets and to families planning to acquire a pet in the near future. It has prompted the big pet store chains Kiwoko, Tiendanimal, Miscota, Koala, Mascotas Ávila and Verdecora to go public with comprehensive information and offerings explaining the details of the new bill, which regulates the ownership of pets and their sale, adoption and other basic aspects relating to pets.

The new law provides a positive list of pets that may be sold in pet stores and kept in private households, although the list is still being determined. Sector experts expect, however, that the sale of pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, rodents, fish and tortoises will continue to be permitted in stationary pet stores. In earlier versions of the bill and reporting on this, fears were expressed that soon only ornamental fish would be permitted to be sold in pet stores.

According to the new directive, dogs, cats and ferrets may only be procured from registered breeders. The direct sale of pets on the Internet is now also prohibited. “This is intended to ensure the well-being of pets and public safety and prevent illegal trade,” says the joint statement by the pet store chains. 

The new bill regulates, promotes and strengthens above all the adoption process, which is so popular in Spain. Among others things, it enables pet product retailers to act as brokers in the adoption process. To this end, cooperative agreements are to be concluded with animal shelters so that speciality retailers can temporarily receive pets seeking a new home to support adoption in this way.

When this new law comes into force, the obligations defined in respect of the pet are to offer it continuous care such as cleaning, a supply of liquid, healthy nutrition, regular veterinary examinations and up-to-date vaccinations as well as a home with sufficient space for its mobility and development. Reckless acts such as leaving a pet alone in a locked vehicle shall be punished.  

Cats must be microchipped and sterilised by the age of six months. In the case of…