New Animal Welfare Law in Spain

A new law aimed at reducing cruelty to animals or abandonment came into effect today, Friday, in Spain. The law, which was approved last March, prohibits the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, bans the use of electronic collars or punitive collars for dogs, and makes sterilization of cats mandatory unless they have a breeding license. Hunting dogs and other animals used in activities, including bullfighting, are exempt from the law, which has led to accusations from the Podemos party against the socialist-led government of yielding to lobbying groups that support hunting. However, Podemos reluctantly supported the bill for fear that the entire law would not be passed. The law will require dog owners to take a training course on how to care for their animals.