Everyone who has a dog has come across on some occasion that, in the middle of the walk with their pet, they remember that they have to buy bread, go to the pharmacy or need to go to a cafeteria for a bottle of water. Or maybe you've planned a morning of errands with your four-legged best friend and they let him into numerous stores, but not all of the ones you want to visit.
Given this circumstance, it is common to see dogs tied up at the door of the establishment, waiting for their human to finish the process they are carrying out. Many shops even have a sign on the façade with a drawing of a dog and phrases like "I'll wait for you here", accompanied by some hooks to tie the leash. If you have ever left your furry at the doors of a local, even if it is only for a few minutes and you know that it behaves phenomenally, you should know that this is now strictly prohibited.
On March 16, the Congress of Deputies approved the new Law for the Protection of Animal Rights and Welfare, which will enter into force on September 29 and aims to improve the quality of life of companion animals.
This law clearly reflects the obligation to assume the care, surveillance and needs of a pet. So, for example, it is forbidden for them to spend too much time alone at home or on terraces, balconies, rooftops, storage rooms or basements, as well as with methods that impede their mobility such as chains.
Article 80 of the regulation includes as a minor infraction "any conduct that, by action or omission and without causing physical damage or alterations in its behavior to the animal, entails the non-observance of prohibitions, care or obligations established by law or those derived from the breach of responsibilities administrative by the owners or managers of the animal. In view of this, leaving your dog unsupervised outside an establishment is considered a minor offense and would entail a fine of between 500 and 10,000 euros depending on the context and aggravating circumstances.
This is so because, while the dog waits outside alone, it can suffer from stress, fear and separation anxiety. Also, by not being supervised, something bad could happen to him such as suffering from heat stroke or ingesting a toxic substance. Lastly, you run the risk of being stolen by someone else. So next time you want to run errands with your dog, make sure he can go into the places you want to keep an eye on or that someone is with you outside to keep him company while you go inside.
