{
  "id": 15050097,
  "title": "Spain’s pet owners face fines of up to €200,000 for animal welfare offences",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/spains-pet-owners-face-fines-of-up-to-200-000-for-animal-welfare",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T21:41:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/10/16/spains-pet-owners-face-fines-of-up-to-e200000-for-animal-welfare-offences/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Spain's animal welfare law sets strict rules for pet owners who keep their dogs and cats outdoors. Article 28 of Law 7/2023 outlines that these animals must have suitable shelter to protect them from extreme weather conditions like heat, cold, and rain. The shelter must also be appropriate for the animal's size and physiological needs, with access to food, water, and hygienic conditions. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to penalties, depending on the severity of the infringement.\n\nFor minor violations, the penalties can range from a warning to a fine of up to €10,000. However, for more serious breaches, the fines can be significantly higher, ranging from €10,001 to €50,000. In very serious cases, the penalties can escalate to a maximum of €200,000. These serious infringements include keeping pets in inappropriate locations such as terraces, balconies, rooftops, basements, or vehicles.\n\nThe law also classifies certain locations as serious infringements. This includes keeping animals on terraces, balconies, rooftops, in storage rooms, basements, or patios, as well as confining them to vehicles. It is crucial for pet owners to understand that simply having access to a patio or balcony does not automatically make it an appropriate living space for a pet.\n\nTo report suspected animal welfare offenses, such as a pet left without adequate shelter, owners can contact the police or Guardia Civil, or use the AlertCops app. It is important to provide as much detail as possible, including the location, dates, times, weather conditions, and any visible signs of distress or injury. Taking photographs or videos lawfully can also assist authorities in assessing the situation. However, it is important not to trespass to gather evidence. If an animal appears to be in immediate danger, immediate action should be taken to ensure its safety.",
  "summary": "Unfortunately, it is not unusual here in Spain to find dogs left outside in gardens, on terraces or tied up […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}