The Spanish Government has now confirmed that the mandatory requirement for all dogs to have civil liability insurance will not enter into force on 29 September with the new Animal Welfare Law.
The Ministry of Social Rights sent the circular to veterinary colleges and other competent public administrations where it recognises that the mandatory contracting of civil liability insurance for all dogs is postponed until the specific regulation is approved.
The reason is that these points needed to have a specific complementary regulation that detailed their characteristics and, today, they do not have it. “In pure legal terms, it is not effectively applicable until the regulatory development of said precept occurs, in accordance with its provisions,” says the circular.
The reason, according to the Ministry, is that Spain does not have a fully functioning Government at this time, due to delays in forming an administration after the results of the elections in July. There is only a “caretaker” Government in office, and it has not been possible to approve the necessary complementary regulations. “This regulation is in the form of a Royal Decree and a government with full functions is necessary to approve it,” point out ministerial sources, who assure that the text is ready to obtain the green light, waiting for the political situation to change.
The same situation applies to the mandatory training course for dog owners. We already know that a two-year transition period was included in the legislation to allow existing dog owners time to complete the course, but as of yet, the criteria is not yet ready, and so there will be a delay.
Also being delayed is the State Registry of Pets. That too is not ready.
All of the points mentioned will become mandatory, as they are enshrined and agreed in law, but not yet. We will now have to wait for the official announcement as to when each part does obtain the necessary legal approval, although there is nothing stopping you subscribing to the soon-to-be mandatory civil liability insurance now.
If you would like more in-depth information, there is a website which has translated the entire legislation into English. You can read the full Animal Welfare Law at animalwelfarelaw.es
In addition, we have partnered with three local companies who can offer you tailor made advice, and provide some of the services which will be mandatory under the new law.
If you need more information about pet health or civil liability insurance, you can contact Jennifer Cunningham Insurances, who have local offices in Benijofar, La Marina, and Playa Flamenca. Their telephone number is 965 795 372, and you can visit their website at https://www.jennifercunningham.net/, or via Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/JCExpatServices/
For anything related to pet health and services such as sterilisation of microchipping, amongst others, you can contact Veterinary Clinic Eduardo’s Pets, located near Las Filipinas, Villamartin, on the Orihuela Costa. Their telephone number is 966 76 41 09, and you can visit their website at https://www.eduardospetsvet.com/, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Eduardospets/
For pet supplies, such as kennels, you can contact Madagascar Pets Pet Center Ciudad Quesada, located in Doña Pepa, near the Aldi and Food Co “Tesco” supermarkets. Their telephone number is 966 73 13 50, and their website is https://madagascarmascotas.com/tiendas/madagascar-mascotas-ciudad-quesada/
Please be sure to tell them you found out about them via TKO Radio, and they will do their best to answer any questions you might have, and play their part in ensuring you are both compliant with the new Animal Welfare Law, and that your pet has the best care and facilities.
