A conflict has flared up in Palencia, Spain, that is sure to strike a nerve with pet owners. It all started with a routine renovation: a homeowner was pouring new concrete in the yard. But while the owners admired the smooth surface, some furry protagonists from the house next door—several cats—made their entrance. Not only did they leave their paw prints in the wet cement, but they also added some ‘fragrant’ surprises. This forced the homeowners to redo the work, and tensions with the neighbors reached a breaking point.
The old wire fence separating the properties proved no obstacle for the cats—just a minor hurdle. The owner of the animals was well aware of her pets’ habits, but took no steps to stop their nighttime adventures. This became the central point in the dispute, which soon escalated into a court battle.
Courtroom drama
The dispute landed in court. The residents of the damaged home went to the trial court, presenting photos of the ruined concrete, repair bills, and testimony from workers. The judge had no doubt: the damage was caused by the neighbor’s cats, and the owner had failed to take proper care of her animals. The verdict was tough: she was ordered to pay €847 in damages plus interest and to install an additional horizontal fence so the cats could no longer get onto the neighbor’s property.
But the story did not end there. The defendant tried to appeal the verdict, arguing that she could not be held responsible for every move her pets made. However, the Palencia appellate court rejected this claim. In its ruling on September 23, the judges recalled: under article 1905 of the Spanish Civil Code, the owner is liable for any damage caused by their animals, even if the animal has run away or been lost. Exceptions are possible only in cases of force majeure or the victim’s own fault, which did not apply in this case.
Owner liability
The judges emphasized that it did not matter whether the cats were under constant supervision or not. It is enough to prove that the animals belong to a specific person and that they are the source of the damage. In this case, the owner was aware of the problem but took no steps to resolve it. That became the decisive argument in favor of the affected neighbors.
Interestingly, the court did not believe arguments about the cats being ‘strays.’ Documents, witness statements, and even the defendant’s own behavior during the trial convinced the judges that these were household pets, not random street guests. Her awareness of the animals’ frequent ‘escapes’ only increased the owner’s culpability. The court found that she had failed to exercise due diligence and did not provide proper supervision.
The law and new realities
The court’s decision also took into account the latest legislative norms. Since 2023, Spain has enforced Law 7/2023 on Animal Protection, which requires owners not only to care for their pets but also to strictly follow rules regarding their upkeep. In particular, Article 24.2.c) obliges owners to prevent their animals from escaping, while Article 26.c) mandates preventing any damage they might cause to others.
The judges noted that installing an additional net is not a punishment, but a reasonable measure to prevent similar incidents in the future. It’s not only a legal requirement, but also a basic gesture of good neighborliness. As this case has shown, even the most well-behaved pets can lead to significant financial losses if proper precautions aren’t taken.
What constitutes damage
In such disputes, you can claim compensation for any material losses if supported by documentation. Most often, this concerns damage to floors, walls, garden structures, as well as cleaning and disinfection costs. The key is to prove the damage is real, can be measured in monetary terms, and was indeed caused by the animal belonging to a specific owner.
Court practice shows that photographs, videos, expert reports, and witness statements play a decisive role. Even chat messages between neighbors discussing animal issues can be important. If there are official complaints or police reports, they only strengthen the injured party’s case. Judges closely analyze the owner’s behavior, especially if they try to avoid responsibility or contradict themselves.
Spanish experience
Such incidents are becoming increasingly common in Spain. Pet owners should keep in mind: even if a pet escapes accidentally, the owner is still responsible for its actions. The law does not require proof of malicious intent or negligence—establishing the fact of harm and linking it to a specific animal is enough. Exceptions are extremely rare and relate only to extraordinary circumstances.
This case in Palencia clearly illustrates how the rules have changed for pet owners. It’s no longer enough just to feed and love your animals. You must be ready to answer for their mischief not only to your neighbors, but also to the law. Otherwise—fines, compensation, and new barriers at your property line.
In case you didn’t know, Spain enforces a strict system for regulating pet ownership. Law 7/2023 on animal protection introduced new requirements for owners, including obligations to prevent escapes and harm to others. Violating these rules can result in hefty fines and legal action. Owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of both their pets and those around them. In recent years, the number of such disputes in court has noticeably increased, reflecting growing attention to issues of neighborliness and accountability.
