20 things pet owners are now prohibited from doing under the new Animal Protection Law in Spain

The legislation aims at improving the safety and wellbeing of animals in Spain

The following prohibitions will come into force in Spain this year:

1. It is prohibited to physically harm or mistreat domestic animals or to treat them negligently
2. Pets can only be euthanised if a vet deems it necessary with the aim of avoiding the suffering of the animal
3. Animals cannot be used in fights
4. It is forbidden to mutilate animals for aesthetic reasons
5. Animals cannot be abandoned, either in closed or open spaces
6. Pets should not be used for inappropriate or excessive work, either in duration or intensity
7. People should not use animals when they are begging
8. Animals must not be used in public shows or advertising, tourist or artistic activities in which they are caused stress or suffering, including fairground attractions and the use of wildlife species in circuses
9. They cannot be used as a prize, reward or promotion
10. People are not allowed to feed their pets the carcasses, viscera or offal of other animals that have not passed the relevant health control checks
11. The trapping of wild birds, particularly finches, is strictly prohibited
12. Domestic pets cannot be used for animal or human consumption
13. It is forbidden to use spikes, collars straps or similar that cause harm or suffering
14. Domestic pets must not be released into or left in the natural environment
15. Owners should never leave their animals permanently in spaces such as terraces, balconies, storage rooms, basements, patios, vehicles or rooftops
16. Animals must never be tethered to a moving motor vehicle
17. Pets must not be left alone and unattended for more than three days in a row; this is reduced to 24 hours in the case of dogs
18. It is forbidden to use any device or mechanism that hinders their mobility, unless prescribed by a veterinarian
19. Unauthorised breeding of any pet is prohibited, as is any genetic selection practice that could cause serious problems in the health of the animal
20. The donation or adoption of unidentified animals is not allowed