Rabbits and other pets that could be surprisingly banned by the new Animal Welfare Act

The new Animal Welfare Act does not stop causing controversy even before it goes into effect. From the amendment to exclude hunting dogs, rehalas and hunting aids from the protection of that law. expanding the list Pets that are not allowed in Spanish homes. Especially since the latter may include animals currently in many homes.

Requirements for an animal to be considered a pet

The prohibition of the possession and breeding of certain animal species by individuals is nothing new in Spain. Since 2013, many have been included in the Spanish Invasive Alien Species Catalogue, which prohibits possession in the home. raccoons, parrots, budgerigars, Vietnamese pigs, peninsular tortoise, hedgehogs or feathersAmong other animals, more will be added with the new Animal Protection Act.

In order to be included in the list of permitted species to be approved after the approval of the law a set of requirements conforming to the domestication of an animal.

These are ease of care in terms of ecological, physiological and ethological needs of the species, scientifically proven viability in captivity, aggression, venom or size. , Y No risk of becoming an invasive speciesin case of escaping, colonizing habitats and damaging the environment.

Invasive species problem

While the legal text continues and does not yet establish a list of allowed animals, according to this last point, common animals such as the following will be excluded from permitted species when keeping in the home: mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, turtles, parakeets and parrots. As well as more unusual ones like snakes, spiders, iguanas, chameleons, lizards and other native birds.

Most of the listed species, such as rodents, are species that live on them. has a certainty of its invasive nature or which, in the event of escape and lack of control, pose or may pose a serious risk to the conservation of biodiversity.

When it comes to budgerigars and other non-native birds, the fact that these are species of wild fauna not naturally found in Spain will prevail. While the turtles stay outside to take control pathogen vectors that transmit a significant number of diseases.

However, there is no consensus on what should be understood by “pet” in the member states of the European Union. Holland It has a similar law that has allowed 30 species since 2015. some rodent species, rabbits and even ferrets, wild boars, alpacas and buffaloes.

Photos | Unsplash

in Jared | All about the Doberman: 16 cute photos, traits and origins