The Animal Welfare Law is already in force and establishes significant sanctions for owners who do not comply with the care obligations of their pets. Among the practices that can entail fines, one particularly common one stands out: leaving dogs on terraces, balconies, or similar spaces habitually.
According to the regulations, this behavior can be considered a serious infraction, with sanctions reaching 50,000 euros.
What exactly does the law prohibit
The legal text is clear on this point. It is not permitted to habitually keep dogs and cats in spaces such as:
- terraces
- balconies
- rooftops
- patios
- storage rooms or basements
- vehicles
The norm seeks to avoid situations that may affect the welfare of the animal, both due to exposure to environmental conditions and due to lack of attention.
In addition to the conditions of the space, the law establishes clear limits on the time that an animal can remain alone.
In general, a pet cannot be left unsupervised for more than three consecutive days
In the case of dogs, the limit is reduced to 24 hours
Exceeding these times can also constitute a sanctionable infraction.
How much are the fines
The law differentiates between three types of infractions, each with its level of sanction:
Minor
Fines of up to 10,000 euros
Serious
Fines from 10,001 to 50,000 euros
This includes habitually keeping animals on terraces
Very serious
Fines from 50,001 to 200,000 euros
In cases such as extreme mistreatment or death of the animal
In Spain, one out of every three households lives with at least one companion animal, which makes this regulation one of the most relevant for the daily life of many families.
Furthermore, there are more than 13 million registered pets, although the data shows that not all animals are correctly identified.
The law not only seeks to sanction, but to establish a framework of protection for animals.
Its purpose is to guarantee minimum welfare conditions and avoid practices that may generate suffering, abandonment, or negligence.
To avoid penalties, owners must pay special attention to:
The conditions in which they keep their pets
The time they spend without supervision
The correct identification of the animal
The fulfillment of the basic care obligations
