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The Draft Law and Protection of Animal Rights in Spain comes into effect on Wednesday January 5 and includes a raft of measures such as recognising animals as legitimate members of the family rather than objects, and requiring dog-owners to take a training course. In addition, people who own a dog or a cat will be required to obtain a DNI for their pets – a National Identity Document that will be part of a national registry of companion animals.

 

 

First and foremost, the ‘DNI-Animal’ will most likely include the name of the pet, its vaccination schedule and veterinary treatments, as well as information about the owner.

 

The identity document has several practical implications, including ensuring that an animal can receive safe care if injured. Being part of a national catalogue means that any pets that are lost can be quickly reunited with their owner and that people who abandon their companion animals can be identified and brought to justice.

 

Although concrete details have yet to be released, it is understood that the implementation and monitoring of the identity system will be managed by each autonomous community.

 

 

The preliminary draft of the legislation also suggests a ban on putting healthy animals to sleep, the promotion of adoption over purchasing pets and a ban on selling live animals in pet stores.

 

According to official sources, the new Animal Rights Law aims to “guarantee that we are moving on the right path and in a model where no animal is abandoned to its fate in Spain”.

 

Image: Guardia Civil