In Spain, the habit of leaving a dog at the entrance to a shop or letting it run freely in a park was long considered a harmless part of city life. However, following the adoption of new rules enshrined in the Animal Welfare Law, such behavior can now result in significant financial penalties for owners. From now on, owners who do not continuously supervise their pets face fines of up to €10,000.
The essence of the new restrictions
The Animal Welfare Law explicitly prohibits leaving dogs tied up at the entrance to shops, pharmacies, or other commercial premises, as well as letting them roam public areas without direct supervision. “Direct supervision” means not just being nearby, but maintaining constant visual contact and being ready to intervene immediately in any unforeseen situation.
As Talent24h notes, these measures are aimed at preventing conflicts between animals, possible attacks, overheating, and stressful situations for the dogs themselves. The law makes no exceptions for brief visits to a shop or empty parks—the key requirement is the owner’s physical presence and control.
Reasons for introducing fines
The new rules are based on the aim of minimizing risks to animals and those around them. The law emphasizes that even a brief absence of the owner can lead to unpredictable consequences: from a fight with another dog to anxiety attacks or overheating. Therefore, it is now forbidden to leave a pet unattended even for a few minutes, regardless of how calm the animal may seem.
Authorities also draw attention to cases where dogs are left on terraces or other open spaces without supervision. Such situations are also subject to sanctions, emphasizing the overall approach of ensuring the safety and welfare of animals in urban environments.
Amount and gradation of fines
According to Article 76 of the law, violations of animal control requirements are subject to fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 euros. The minimum amount applies in cases where no incidents occurred and the violation is deemed minor. However, if a lack of control leads to a conflict, attack, or other dangerous situation, the fine can increase significantly.
The law is not limited to situations near shops or in parks — any case where a dog is left unsupervised in a public space falls under the new rules. This makes owners’ responsibility clearer and more explicit.
Dog owners’ reaction
Despite the stricter regulations, many dog owners continue to follow old habits. Some admit they still leave their pets at the entrance to stores, explaining it as care for the animal or a brief absence. Others believe letting a dog off the leash is acceptable if no one is around, and are ready to use a leash only when necessary.
However, the new rules have already come into effect, and now even a few minutes without supervision can lead to serious financial consequences. The law makes no distinction between ‘safe’ and ‘dangerous’ situations — responsibility arises from the very fact of being left unattended.
How to avoid a fine
To avoid sanctions and not put your pet at risk, owners are advised to strictly follow the law’s requirements. This means the dog must always be in sight and under control, and any attempt to leave it alone — even for a short time — can result in a fine.
Owners should abandon the habit of tying their dog at the store entrance or letting it walk off-leash in public places. Supervision and readiness to intervene immediately are now key conditions that determine not only the animal’s safety, but also the financial well-being of its owner.
As a result, the new rules are changing daily habits and require dog owners to take greater responsibility. Ignoring these requirements can be costly—fines of up to €10,000 are no longer just a theoretical threat but have become a reality for anyone unprepared for these changes.
