The new Law on the Protection, Rights and Welfare of Animals came into force on September 29 with the aim of putting an end to the abuse and abandonment of pets in our country. To this end, the law includes prohibitions on the possession of animals and the toughening of economic sanctions associated with them.
In this regard, the law also refers to the correct transportation of animals and the sanctions derived in case of non-compliance. Do you know how you should travel in the car with your pet?
Article 59 of the law appeals to the general conditions for transporting animals, indicating that they must be able to make the planned trip and that all their physiological and ethological needs are met. Likewise, it stipulates that the means of transport must have air conditioning and ventilation systems to keep the animals in their comfort range.
The animal must travel guaranteeing its safety, protected from adverse conditions, so that its injuries and suffering are avoided. This ranges from providing rest periods, water and food, to transporting it properly restrained.
For its part, article 60 dictates that when pets must remain in parked vehicles, the pertinent measures will be adopted to ensure adequate ventilation and temperature. It is also stated that animals must have their documentation when traveling and their shipment by courier is prohibited except by entities dedicated to the professional transport of animals.
Within the Animal Welfare Law, minor, serious or very serious infractions are appealed if you fail to comply with any of its precepts. The minor ones are sanctioned from 500 to 10,000 euros, the serious ones carry a fine of 10,001 to 50,000 euros and the very serious ones are sanctioned with up to 200,000 euros. It will be the responsibility of the authorities to determine the seriousness of the infractions committed.
But apart from avoiding a large fine, traveling with animals properly restrained is a basic safety issue. Well, as the Civil Guard warns in its profile on the social network
As stated by the General Directorate of Traffic, depending on their species and size, pets can travel in a carrier located on the floor of the rear seats of the vehicle; or secured by a harness with double attachment to the seat belt, using a dividing grid that prevents the pet from moving freely and disturbing the driver.
The third alternative is for the animal to travel in the trunk with a carrier in a transverse position to the direction of travel, in which case the DGT also recommends the installation of a dividing grid.
