Spain’s updated animal welfare law prohibits keeping dogs and cats on balconies, terraces, patios, or vehicles as their main living space. Violations can result in fines of up to €50,000, with stricter rules for supervision and care now in force.
Leaving a dog or cat on a balcony, terrace, or in a vehicle as their main living space can now cost Spanish pet owners dearly. Under the country’s updated animal welfare law, fines for such violations can reach €50,000, marking a significant shift in how companion animals must be cared for at home.
The Law 7/2023, published in Spain’s official state bulletin (BOE) and in effect since September 2023, sets out clear rules for responsible pet ownership. With over 13 million registered companion animals in Spain, the legislation aims to ensure that pets are not relegated to unsuitable or unsafe environments.
What the Law Prohibits
The law specifically bans keeping dogs and cats habitually in spaces like balconies, terraces, rooftops, storage rooms, basements, patios, or vehicles. While it does not forbid pets from occasionally being in these areas, it strictly prohibits using them as permanent living quarters—especially if they lack proper shelter, hygiene, temperature control, security, or supervision.
Article 27 of the law also sets limits on how long pets can be left unsupervised. No animal can be left alone for more than three consecutive days, and for dogs, the maximum is just 24 hours. These measures are designed to prevent neglect and ensure animals receive adequate care and attention.
Penalties and Enforcement
Infractions are divided into three categories: minor, serious, and very serious. Minor violations, such as failing to meet obligations without causing harm or behavioral changes, can result in warnings or fines from €500 to €10,000. However, keeping a dog or cat permanently in a prohibited space is classified as a serious offense, with fines ranging from €10,001 to €50,000.
Very serious violations—such as actions leading to an animal’s death, unauthorized euthanasia, training for fights, or using pets for human consumption—carry penalties of €50,001 to €200,000. The law also allows for additional measures, including removal of the animal, mandatory animal welfare courses, community service, or bans on pet ownership in severe cases.
Who Can Issue Fines
Responsibility for enforcing these rules lies with regional authorities and, in cases involving public spaces or municipal property, with local councils. Municipal ordinances may further specify how sanctions are applied within the limits set by national law.
Raising Standards for Pet Care
The updated law is not only aimed at punishing extreme cases of abandonment or cruelty. It also targets long-standing practices that have often gone unchallenged, such as leaving a dog on a terrace all day or confining a cat to a basement without proper conditions. The focus is on ensuring all pets have a dignified life, with adequate supervision, veterinary care, and identification as required by law.
For pet owners in Spain, these changes mean a closer look at how and where their animals live. Occasional time on a balcony or patio is not forbidden, but using these spaces as a substitute for proper accommodation can now have serious financial and legal consequences.
As Spain continues to update its animal welfare standards, the new law reflects a broader European trend toward stricter protections for companion animals. Pet owners are advised to review their living arrangements and ensure they meet the new requirements to avoid costly penalties.
