A new law has entered into force in Spain, which is primarily aimed at pet owners.
As of Friday, Spaniards will no longer be allowed to leave their dogs leashed outside grocery stores – and sterilization of indoor cats will become mandatory, reports El País.
The purchase of dogs and cats from physical stores and online stores is also prohibited. However, the shop owners are given a deadline to find a new home for their animals.
The use of wild animals in circuses will also be prohibited with the new law. Zoos are allowed to continue using marine mammals in their dolphin shows until the animals die.
Bullfighting is considered part of Spain’s cultural heritage – and is therefore not part of the new animal welfare law.
Nor is hunting with dogs included. A proposal to include dog hunting in the law led to an outcry among the country’s hunters, which forced the government to back down.
Anyone who violates the Animal Rights Act risks a fine of up to 200,000 euros, equivalent to just under 2.3 million kroner.