Spanish Parliament finally approved this Thursday a animal welfare lawaccompanied by a reform of the penal code which increases prison sentences for ill-treatment.
“It is a very important day because Congress definitively approves the first animal rights law” of “democracy”, which arrived with the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, said social rights minister Ione Belarra, of the left-wing party radical We can.
This law ends “with the impunity of animal abusers, an advance that responds to the sensitivity of the citizens of our country”, he added.
The law, promoted by the government of socialist Pedro Sánchez, imposes “compulsory” training for dog owners, who areIt will be forbidden to leave them alone for more than 24 hours.
Also requires sterilization of catsexcept, of course, those used for breeding, a measure requested by animal defense associations who believe that population control helps prevent the abandonment and death of offspring.
The penal code reform that accompanies the law introduces penalties for mistreatment that can range from a year and a half to prison, if the animal ends up needing veterinary care, and two years in the event of death.
Until now, the maximum sentence for these offenses was 18 months.
These measures apply to pets not those bred for food, nor hunting dogs.
The ban on hunting dogs has caused divisions in the left-wing government, between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialists, who are in favor of outlawing them, and the radical left of Podemos.
The law will not apply to bullfighting either.
The text also strengthens the rules that pet breeders must follow.
Spain already plans, from 2022, e in the event of divorce, joint custody of petswhich already have the legal rank of “sentient beings”, and not just things.
Several European countries have already changed their laws to recognize the living and sensitive nature of animals.
Source: AFP
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.