The Government has approved legislative proposals which will increase the penalties for the mistreatment of animals.
Minister of Social Rights – Ione Belarra – announced the new proposals, which will strengthen measures aimed to prevent creulty to animals, with offenders facing fines of up to €200,000 and three years in prison.
All pets such as cats and dogs will also be required to have a form of identification, and the breeding of animals will only be carried out by registered and professional breeders.
Circusses using animals will also be outlawed, whilst the use of animals in shows where they may suffer harm – such as cock-fighting – will also become illegal.
The reforms however do not include bullfighting.
