The Law for Animal Well Being comes into effect on September 29 this year and, amongst other changes, contains 10 obligations for all pet owners.
They are:
1. It will be obligatory for all dog owners to contract third party insurance to cover any damage or injury their pet may cause to others.
2. In order to own a dog you must take an obligatory free online course to demonstrate your capacity to care for your dog.
3. A «socialibility test» for «potentially dangerous dogs» (PDD) was considered but finally rejected. The PDD category remains in force.
4. A dog may not be left alone in a house for more than 24 hours. Cats may not be left for longer than three days. Animals may not be kept on balconies or in cellars. Fines 1000 euros.
5. Dogs must be maintained within a family nucleous in a good state and hygienic conditions.
6. In order to curb uncontrolled production pets must be sterilized unless they are owned by registered breeders.
7. It is prohibited to leave animals in closed vehicles. (Applies to parked cars too).
8. No dogs may be tied up in public places (eg. outside shops etc).
9. Dogs must not be allowed to use public places as a toilet. If they do leave excrement or urine this must be cleaned by the owner with biodegradable products-
10. Veterinary treatments considered necessary by the Adminsistation must be facilitated.
Editors Note:
There are many more changes included in this law, including the ban on keeping rare and tropical pets such as parrots. As soon as all the information is published it will also be published on this webpage. At the moment it appears that owners who already have rare or tropical or «wild» animals as pets will be excluded from this ban.
We will keep you informed.
