In Spain we also celebrate World Animal Day (Día mundial de los animales) on October 4, just like in many other countries. But it is good to consider the question: do Spain and the Spanish deserve a celebration to honor our animals? While there are still bulls wrestling in the arenas for fun and tens of thousands of dogs and cats are abandoned every year, fortunately there are also many Spaniards who love animals and oppose any kind of abuse or neglect.
Spain may not always have a reputation as an animal-loving country, but that image is not entirely correct. Many foreigners think that all Spaniards like bullfighting and go to the bullring every Sunday, or that every Spaniard leaves his dog or cat with a noose on a tree for a holiday. Fortunately, there are more Spaniards who treat their pets lovingly and do not reflect this stereotype.
More and more Spaniards have a heart for animals and share the love for our four-legged friends. Many people are against bullfighting and are actively involved in helping the many kennels and shelters as volunteers. Dogs and cats are increasingly seen as family members. Pet stores and veterinarians are busy, which shows that people like to spend time and money on their pets.
Spanish politicians are increasingly investing in the welfare of animals and are committed to protecting them. Although many people believe that more can be done, processes simply take time. The new animal welfare law came into effect on September 29, 2023, which mainly benefits pets. This is a great step forward!
Fortunately, prison sentences for abusing and/or neglecting animals have become much stricter, but it is still rare that someone is actually convicted. In Spain, the police and the Guardia Civil have special officers who deal with animal abuse and related matters with great passion.
Political party
Since 2003, Spain has also had a party for animals, PACMA or Partido Animalista Con el Medio Ambiente. Although this party does not yet have much to say in the Spanish Parliament nationally (but that did not happen overnight in the Netherlands either), it does have representation in the Spanish Senate. PACMA also has increasing representation regionally and provincially and at times PACMA’s input was very important.
Together with animal rights activists, PACMA managed to stop the horrific Toro de la Vega bull stabbing festival and this has not been allowed since this year. PACMA is growing as a political party, although there is still a long way to go before it will gain major influence in Spanish politics.
Hunting
In Spain, just like in the Netherlands and Belgium, hunting is still a popular activity, and this is often done with a four-legged friend. These dogs are important to hunters, but they do not always get the appreciation they deserve. Tragically, it sometimes happens that older dogs, or dogs that no longer meet expectations, are left alone in nature. Fortunately, there are many people who are committed to the well-being of these animals. Hunting is an activity with a long tradition in Spain and there are many famous and influential people who share this passion.
So… animal friendly?
As can be read above, there are still many steps to be taken before Spain can become a truly animal-friendly country, but it is nice to see that changes are taking place. The Spaniards are becoming increasingly averse to bullfighting and the mistreatment of animals in general.
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