The Animal Welfare Law is the result of the struggle of animal protection associations in the country. The new law establishes a series of rules for the care of animals, including guidelines on how long pets can be left alone at home.
In Spain we are permanently fighting against a sad problem: the abandonment of pets. Every two minutes, a dog or cat is homeless.
However, in Autonomous Communities such as Catalonia and Madrid, the Animal Welfare Law came into force as a regulation to avoid this situation.
Why do pets stay home alone?
The amount of time a pet can spend alone at home depends on several factors. These include the size, age, health, personality and individual needs of the pet.
In addition, when an animal is left alone for an extended period of time, it is essential to provide fresh water, food and a suitable place to relieve itself. The temperature of the house should be as comfortable as possible and there should be enough natural light. Also ensure good ventilation and fresh air.
Space and exercise
The law also establishes that animals must not be confined in small or inadequate spaces that prevent them from moving freely or exercising. Therefore, if a pet spends a lot of time alone at home, it is important to ensure that it has adequate space to play and move around.
Time limits
The Spanish Animal Protection Law states that animals must not be left unattended for a prolonged period of time that endangers their health or welfare. However, there is no single answer for how long they can be left alone.
In general, taking into account factors such as type, breed, age and personality of the pet, the maximum recommended time an animal can be left alone at home is 8 to 10 hours a day.
Therefore, if you plan to be away for a longer period of time, you may want to consider hiring a pet sitter or a daycare or dog/feline hotel service.
The Animal Welfare Act is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with caring for pets and ensuring their happiness and well-being at all times.
Impact of the Law
Although it came into force at the end of September, the Ministry of Social Rights invites to make a common front to fight against the abandonment, mistreatment and slaughter of animals. In fact, for the first time, the regulation provides that animal abuse must be punished with more than one year of imprisonment and in case of death, up to 36 months.
It also prohibits “the use of spikes or choke collars or the tethering of animals to moving motor vehicles”.
