Starting September 29, all dog owners must have third-party liability insurance in force for the entire life of the animal. It is one of the most notable measures of the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Animals, which aims to promote responsible ownership and coexistence, and fight against the abuse and abandonment of animals.
This insurance will be necessary, regardless of the type of animal: non-dangerous companion, potentially dangerous (PPP) or surveillance and guard. The rule, published in the BOE on March 29, does not make distinctions according to race. This is an important caveat, because until now only those who had PPP breed dogs were required to go through this procedure.
In article 30 of the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Animals, the law details some considerations regarding the ownership of dogs in our home. First of all, it points out that "people who choose to be dog owners must prove that they have completed a training course for dog ownership that will be valid indefinitely." This course "will be free and its content will be determined by regulation."
Finally, the rule establishes that, in the case of dog ownership and throughout the life of the animal, "the owner must contract and maintain in force civil liability insurance for damages to third parties."
This insurance must include in its coverage the persons responsible for the animal, "for an amount sufficient to cover the possible derived expenses, which will be established by regulation." Dog owners who do not have civil liability insurance are exposed to fines of between 500 and 10,000 euros.
In addition to responsible ownership and coexistence, the Law on the Protection of Animal Rights and Welfare seeks to promote the protection of animal rights and welfare; promote adoption and fostering; develop training, outreach and information activities on animal protection; and promote identification, vaccination, sterilization, breeding and responsible sales campaigns.
The law excludes hunting dogs, rehalas and auxiliary hunting animals, as well as animals used in specific activities (sports recognized by the Higher Sports Council, falconry birds, shepherd dogs and livestock guard dogs) and those used in professional activities.
