Pets In Spain To Be Given Same Rights As Humans

Major new laws will see pets legally recognized as ‘sensitive living beings’ granted some of the same rights as humans.

Landmark new laws in Spain will recognize pets as "sensitive living beings", granting them some of the same rights as humans.

The new laws state that if they come across an abandoned pet, the public now has a duty to inform the local authorities or try to locate the guardian, as they would if it were a child. Abuse of a pet will also be punishable as if the crime was committed against a human.  

In addition, these new rights will also impact cases of divorce and inheritance. If a couple separates, a judge can now act in the best interests of the pet, deciding who should take custody. A judge can also set out visitation regimes between each spouse, as well as decide who pays for food and vet bills.

These laws are particularly significant, given that Spain has one of the highest divorce rates in the European Union, and that nearly 50% of Spanish households own a pet.

"We should accept animals are not objects - they are living beings which feel and suffer", said Sandra Guaita, of the Socialist party that introduced the new laws along with the far-left Unidas Podemos party.

A similar bill was scuppered four years ago, but the country now appears to be shifting its views on animal welfare.

A recent petition in favour of stronger animal welfare laws amassed 240,000 signatures, while all parties except the far-right Vox party voted in favour of the latest bill.

The new laws mean that Spain will follow the likes of France, Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland in recognizing the rights of pets.

It is also hoped that this latest development will heap more pressure on bullfighting. Hit hard by financial losses incurred during the pandemic, the industry is growing increasingly unpopular among the Spanish public. 

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