The Municipal Plenary has initially approved the modification of the ordinance governing the protection, welfare, and responsible ownership of companion or family animals in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The proposal received support from the Municipal Government, EH Bildu, and PP, with Elkarrekin abstaining.
Ana López de Uralde, the Councilor for Public Health, emphasized that "it is an ordinance that considerably strengthens the protection and welfare of animals." She further detailed that it "expands obligations, increases sanctions, incorporates new protective measures, specifically regulates feline colonies for the first time, improves the transparency of the Animal Protection Center, and reinforces the promotion of adoption and responsible ownership."
The approved ordinance will replace the one enacted in 2013 and focuses on companion animals such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, as well as exotic animals kept in captivity.
Key objectives include promoting animal protection and responsible ownership, preventing abandonment and mistreatment, fostering respectful coexistence between citizens and animals, and raising societal awareness about the importance of ensuring their welfare.
To advance these goals, the ordinance introduces new measures to enhance animal welfare. These include mandatory microchip identification for cats, sterilization for those over six months old, a prohibition on leaving companion animals alone for more than 24 hours (reduced to 12 hours for dogs), and a ban on tethering dogs to personal mobility devices.
Increased Sanctions
The ordinance update toughens penalties. Minor infractions, previously capped at 750 euros, can now reach 3,000 euros. A new requirement mandates cleaning animal urine with water, punishable by a 200 euro fine. The penalty for not collecting animal excrement in public spaces rises from 90 to 200 euros. Furthermore, all dogs must have civil liability insurance, with non-compliance considered a minor infraction and fined at 501 euros.
The ordinance update toughens penalties. Minor infractions, previously capped at 750 euros, can now reach 3,000 euros. A new requirement mandates cleaning animal urine with water, punishable by a 200 euro fine. The penalty for not collecting animal excrement in public spaces rises from 90 to 200 euros. Furthermore, all dogs must have civil liability insurance, with non-compliance considered a minor infraction and fined at 501 euros.
Serious infractions will incur fines ranging from 3,001 to 10,000 euros, a significant increase from the current maximum of 1,500 euros. Very serious infractions, which could lead to the animal's death or permanent severe consequences, will see fines escalate from a maximum of 3,000 euros to between 10,001 and 100,000 euros.
The City Council also promotes the progressive installation of specific animal drinking fountains in parks and dog recreation areas. The Animal Protection Center (CPA) will monitor adoptions and fosterings during the initial adaptation period. Collaboration with animal protection and welfare organizations will be strengthened.
Following its initial approval in the Plenary, the text will be published in the BOTHA, opening a 30-business-day public exhibition period for citizens to review the proposal and submit any objections. The aim is for the new ordinance to be definitively approved by early 2027.
