The Law for the Protection of Animal Rights and Welfare, also known as the Animal Welfare Law, was definitively approved in the plenary session of the Congress of Deputies on February 9. The project, promoted by the Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda, headed by Ione Belarra, went ahead with 174 votes in favor, 167 against, and seven abstentions.
Since its inception, this law has been the subject of various controversies and reluctance. The most recurring is given by the exclusion of hunting and farm dogs. Although these will not be the only ones that remain outside the protection of the new law, since this also excludes auxiliary hunting animals and animals used in specific activities (sports, falconry birds, shepherd dogs and livestock guardians). Those used in professional activities are also excluded (rescue dogs, companion animals used in assisted interventions or animals of the Security Forces and Bodies or the Armed Forces).
The Animal Welfare Law was born with the task of curbing animal abuse and abandonment. To do this, it introduces important innovations such as toughening fines and prison terms for both crimes. It also prohibits the uncontrolled breeding of animals, which will be limited only to farms registered as such, and the sale and exhibition of animals in stores. On the other hand, it will be mandatory to sterilize pets that do not live inside the homes.
Another point to highlight is the obligation to identify pets, the prohibition of leaving them unattended for certain periods of time depending on the species and the prohibition of sacrificing animals without justified health reasons. Likewise, the presence of wild animals in circuses is prohibited. Zoos and dolphinariums will become recovery centers for native species and shows and activities in which animals may be injured are not allowed.
However, hunting dogs will not be protected in the same way. To begin with, hunting dogs will be able to spend more than 24 hours without supervision and methods can also be imposed that prevent their free mobility, such as keeping them tied to a chain, which is prohibited for other dog owners. Of course, they must be identified and have a place of shelter.
Hunting dog owners should not complete the mandatory training course before acquiring another animal. Also, registered breeders and hunters will be able to breed dogs. Finally, they will have a free hand to apply the training methods they deem appropriate, as it is understood that the function of a hunting dog differs from that of a domestic pet. In this way, they will be able to use harmful methodologies for the education of hunting dogs.
