Spain’s pet owners face fines of up to €200,000 for animal welfare offences « Euro Weekly News

Unfortunately, it is not unusual here in Spain to find dogs left outside in gardens, on terraces or tied up in exposed areas, sometimes without proper shelter from the scorching summer sun or winter rain. For anyone who has worried about a neighbour’s dog panting in the heat with nowhere to escape, or shivering in the cold without a dry place to rest, Spain’s Animal Welfare Law makes clear that owners cannot simply leave pets to fend for themselves against the elements.

The law requires people responsible for companion animals kept outdoors to provide suitable shelter, protect them from adverse weather and ensure their living conditions meet their needs. Failing to comply can lead to penalties, depending on the circumstances and how the infringement is classified.

What the law requires for dogs and cats kept outdoors

Article 28 of Spain’s Animal Welfare Law, Law 7/2023, sets out requirements for companion animals housed in outdoor spaces. Owners and carers must provide shelter that protects animals from the weather and position it so they are not exposed for prolonged periods to direct sunlight, rain or extreme cold. Their accommodation must also be appropriate for their size and physiological needs, with access to food and drinking water and suitable hygienic conditions.  In practical terms, a dog left in a garden needs somewhere suitable to escape the heat, cold and rain. Leaving it in an exposed area, or providing a kennel that offers no effective protection, may not meet the legal requirements.

The same principle applies to cats kept in outdoor accommodation. Their living space must meet their needs and protect them from adverse weather. There are also restrictions on where dogs and cats can be kept permanently. Article 74 classifies keeping them permanently on terraces, balconies, rooftops, in storage rooms, basements, patios and similar places, or in vehicles, as a serious infringement. This means that having access to a patio or balcony does not automatically make it an appropriate permanent living space for a pet.

How much could owners be fined?

The financial penalties depend on the type of infringement and the circumstances, including whether the animal has suffered harm. Under Article 76 of Law 7/2023, minor infringements can result in a warning or a fine of between €500 and €10,000. Serious infringements carry fines of €10,001 to €50,000, while very serious infringements can attract penalties of €50,001 to €200,000.

Not every failure to provide suitable accommodation will automatically lead to the maximum fine. The authorities must consider the nature of the offence and classify it accordingly. However, owners should not assume that providing food and water is enough to meet their responsibilities. Animals also need suitable accommodation, protection from the weather and living conditions that safeguard their welfare.

What to do if you see an animal being neglected

If you regularly see a dog or cat left outside without adequate shelter, exposed to extreme temperatures or apparently being neglected, there are several ways to report your concerns in Spain.

– Contact the police or Guardia Civil. You can report suspected animal neglect to the Policía Local, Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil. The Guardia Civil’s environmental protection service, SEPRONA, deals with animal welfare cases. You can call 062 to contact the Guardia Civil, or 112 if there is an immediate emergency.

– Use the AlertCops app. The app provides a way to report suspected offences, including animal abuse, to the relevant authorities. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to include photographs or videos to help explain the situation.

– Keep a record of what you observe. Note the location, dates and times, weather conditions, whether water and shelter are available, and any visible signs of injury or distress. Photographs or videos taken lawfully may help authorities assess the complaint. Do not trespass to collect evidence.

– Contact your town hall. Your local authority may be able to direct your complaint to the appropriate animal welfare service or enforcement team. For serious or ongoing suspected neglect, you can also make a formal complaint to the relevant authorities.

If an animal appears to be in immediate danger, do not wait to build up a record of evidence before asking for help. Explain what you can see and give the precise location so the authorities can assess the urgency.

It is important to remember that seeing a dog or cat outdoors does not, by itself, prove neglect. What matters is whether the animal has adequate shelter, proper care and living conditions that meet its needs. Where those requirements are not being met, Spain’s Animal Welfare Law provides a basis for authorities to investigate and, where appropriate, impose penalties.