Starting on September 29, Spain has taken a step forward in the protection of animal rights: the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets in stores is officially prohibited. This measure, part of the new Animal Rights and Welfare Protection Law, is a significant victory for animal welfare advocates. Penalties for those who violate this law can reach up to 200,000 euros, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the protection of its companion animals.
The main goal of this regulation is to reduce the commodification of animals, particularly those treated as mere products for sale. "This law seeks to stop the systematic abuse these animals face, often being treated as merchandise without regard for their physical and emotional needs," says Aïda Gascón, director of AnimaNaturalis in Spain. Pet stores have long been criticized, as many obtain their animals from industrial breeders operating under deplorable conditions.
Additionally, this ban serves as a push to encourage responsible adoption, as thousands of animals are abandoned in shelters every year. "Adoption is the only path for those who truly want a life companion and do not wish to contribute to animal exploitation," Gascón adds, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing animals already seeking a home instead of encouraging mass breeding.
The impact of abandonment and indiscriminate breeding
The abandonment of animals is an alarming reality in Spain. According to the Affinity Foundation report, nearly 285,000 dogs and cats were abandoned in the country in 2023, reflecting a crisis in social responsibility towards animal care. Often, animals sold in stores end up in shelters after being impulsively purchased, without proper consideration of the resources and time they require.
A significant part of this problem stems from illegal breeders, also known as "puppy mills," which prioritize profit over animal welfare. Animals bred in these places often suffer serious health issues due to uncontrolled breeding and the unsanitary conditions in which they are kept. People who buy them, unknowingly, acquire animals that may develop genetic diseases, often leading to abandonment when veterinary bills pile up.
"The new legislation is a victory for animal rights, but we cannot stop here. We must continue to fight against illegal breeders and promote strict control over pet breeding," affirms Gascón, who advocates for more rigorous regulation and public awareness to eradicate these practices.
An opportunity to promote responsible adoption
The implementation of this law also represents an opportunity to transform the culture of acquiring companion animals in Spain. For years, the purchase of animals in stores has contributed to the perception that animals are objects to be acquired without considering their rights as sentient beings. However, with the new regulation, the aim is to steer society towards adoption and respect for animal life.
In Spain, more than 1,300 shelters are overwhelmed with animals in need of a home. Adopting, instead of buying, not only helps reduce the number of homeless animals but is also a conscious act of rejecting an industry that profits from animal suffering. "Every small change in legislation is a step towards building a fairer society for all living beings," concludes Gascón.
The implementation of this law is an important milestone, but much remains to be done to ensure its enforcement and foster a deep cultural change. AnimaNaturalis will continue to work on educating the public about the importance of adoption, responsible pet ownership, and rejecting any form of animal exploitation.
