A dog that only knows the terrace. A cat that spends its days in a windowless basement. That, from now on, is illegal in Spain.
The Animal Welfare Law no longer allows you to habitually keep your dog or cat on balconies, rooftops, storage rooms, patios, or in vehicles. Nor can you leave them alone for more than three days — or just one, in the case of a dog. The Ministry of Social Rights estimates that 7.5 million dogs and 5.5 million cats live with their families in Spain, and this rule was created so that none of them ever has to spend their days alone again, confined somewhere they should not be.
Anyone who fails to comply faces fines of up to 50,000 euros, because the law considers this a serious offense. In the end, it is not just a rule: it is a reminder that a pet needs companionship, not a balcony.