The new legislation, which punishes animal cruelty and abandon with fines of up to 30,000 euros, has been approved by the regional government of Murcia.
The law also prohibits the use of wild animals in circuses in the Murcia region and killing animals or pets without veterinary supervision.
Aimed to engender responsible pet ownership, the legislation includes regulations for transporting animals, which protects their well being; promotes adoption; introduces sanitary controls; changes the identification of animals; creates a regional register; and introduces controls on sterilization, mutilation and euthanasia.
Fines have been increased fourfold with minimums of 100 euros and maximums of 30,0000 euros for serious cases, which includes organizing fights with animals.
Less serious offences, with fines from 100 to 1.500 euros, include keeping animals in an abandoned state in yards and gardens; the mutilation of animals for cosmetic purposes; the sale of animals to person under 16 years; and allowing pets to foul the streets without cleaning up after them.
Serious offences, with fines of 1,500 to 6,000 euros, includes keeping an animals with inadequate alimentation: keeping animals without the correct registration; keeping wounded animals without veterinary care; and the sale of animals on markets or in unauthorized centres.
The Socialists consider the law does not go far enough and is merely a step in the right direction.
