More potentially dangerous dogs abandoned after new animal welfare law

Spain's new animal welfare law came into effect in September, bringing new rules to protect pets and animals. However, animal shelters are concerned that the increased responsibility of pet owners could lead to more animals being abandoned.  

The Ripollès Animal Shelter, in the province of Girona, near the Pyrenees, is almost at capacity due to an increase in dogs of potentially dangerous breeds. During this year, about twenty new dogs have arrived, which is 50% more than in 2022. 

"With the change in the law, the obligations of dog owners have increased, and this has led to an increase in abandonment, especially of these breeds," explains the vice-president of the Ripollès County Council, Enric Perez.   

"It is a new situation that has never happened before; it worries us," admits Pérez, who adds that if the number continues to grow in the coming weeks, "it will be difficult to respond because the facilities are at the limit." 

Elisabet Muntadas from Ripollès County Council said: "People who do not care much for their pets have abandoned them to avoid problems and they have ended up here." 

New measures of the animal welfare law 

Dog owners will now be required to take a free course in general animal care, the content of which will be determined by future regulations. While this is not currently mandatory, it will be in the future.   

They will also be required to have civil liability insurance for dogs, which is also subject to finalization of details and not yet enforced.   

It will be prohibited to keep pets permanently outside on exposed patios or balconies/terraces. Dogs cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours, and other animals cannot be left alone for more than three days.   

Owners must prevent animals from fouling public areas and remove or clean up any waste with biodegradable products. In addition, tethering animals outside establishments such as supermarkets will be prohibited.