Some exotic pets, such as certain species of monkeys, ferrets, and reptiles, are illegal to keep as pets in Spain.
Detailed information is provided below
In Spain, owning certain exotic animals as pets is illegal due to the potential danger they can pose to humans and the environment. The most common illegal pets in Spain include certain species of monkeys, ferrets, and reptiles.
According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, “it is prohibited to acquire, transport, import, export, breed, sell and purchase the species included in the list of exotic invasive species in the European Union.”
One of the most popular illegal pets in Spain is the capuchin monkey. While they may seem cute and friendly, they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and they can even become aggressive as they age. Ferrets, while also cute, can be very destructive and can cause damage to homes. Certain species of reptiles, such as pythons and boas, can grow to be very large and pose a risk to humans and other pets.
It is important to note that owning an illegal pet in Spain can result in fines, the confiscation of the animal, and/or criminal charges. According to a spokesperson for the Spanish Guardia Civil, “The problem with exotic pets is not only that they can be a danger to humans, but also that they can cause damage to the environment and threaten the survival of native species.”
In order to ensure the safety of both humans and animals, it is essential to research and understand the regulations surrounding pet ownership.
Here is a table listing some of the most common illegal pets in Spain:
| Animal | Reason for illegality |
|---|---|
| Capuchin monkey | Can carry diseases and become aggressive |
| Ferret | Destructive and can cause damage to homes |
| Python/Boa | Can grow to be very large and pose a risk to humans and other pets |
| Iguana | Can carry salmonella and be dangerous if not properly cared for |
| Hedgehog | Banned for conservation reasons |
| Squirrel | Banned for conservation reasons |
As the famous animal rights activist Jane Goodall once said, “The greatest danger to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Let us all take responsibility for the safety and well-being of both humans and animals by adhering to pet ownership regulations.
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In Spain, pets are now to be treated like children in divorce cases, with the well-being of the animals being the priority in determining custody, instead of just proving ownership. This change is expected to reduce pet abandonment and mistreatment while also encouraging people to view pets as living beings rather than just property. However, it may be more difficult to determine custody in cases where there are no children involved.
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Spain does not have breed-specific bans, and all dog breeds are welcome in the country. However, there are restrictions on strong and aggressive dog breeds such as the Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Akita Inu, Tosa Inu, Rottweiler, Fila Brasiliero and other powerful dog breeds.
Spain has rules prohibiting certain animals as pets, although these vary across the communities. For example, the Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species lists creatures including bullfrogs, Galapagos turtles, Argentine parrots, raccoons, some breeds of hedgehog, and porcupines. Owning any of these as a pet can lead to a fine of up to €2 million.
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What pets are not allowed in Spain? The list has been significantly expanded to include the following:-Mice-Hamsters-Guinea Pig-Chinchillas-Rabbits-Turtles-Parakeets-Parrots-Lovebirds-Snakes-Spiders-Iguanas-Chameleons-Geckos-Birds originating from other countries.
Simply so, What animals can you have as pets in Spain? Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be fitted with an ISO microchip and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. Additionally, pets must be 15 weeks or older when they travel. If you are from the European Union (EU) or a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, your pet must have an EU passport.
In respect to this, Are guinea pigs illegal in Spain?
Answer will be: Initially, the list of prohibited pets included several animals that are regularly kept by people such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice and hamsters, but after consideration, this has been re-evaluated. The ministry has stated that "Hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs are expected to be included in this list".
What are the rules for pets in Spain?
Response to this: In most cases, pets must be identified with a legible tattoo or microchip. Also, if you have a puppy, remember that it cannot travel with you if it is under three months old and is therefore not vaccinated for rabies. It can also not travel until 21 days after the first vaccination.
Hereof, What if my dog is considered a dangerous animal in Spain? If your pet is considered a dangerous animal in Spain, you must add them to the Dangerous Animals Register ( Registro de Animales Potencialmente Peligroso ). You can do this at your local town hall or online. There are plans to remove all breeds of dogs from this register by the end of 2022.
Can you buy a dog in Spain? Answer: However, you can still buy pets in Spain from licensed breeders or secondhand on websites such as Milanuncios. If you decide to get an animal from a breeder, ensure they have a valid license. Like many other countries, Spain has a problem with unlicensed breeding and the illegal trading of animals. Again, laws vary across regions.
Furthermore, What are the new animal laws in Spain?
As part of the new legislation, all domestic animals will be registered on a central database and then issued an animal DNI number. It will be mandatory, rather than optional, that all pets are listed on this registry, in a bid to protect the rights of each animal in Spain as sentient beings, under these new laws.
Beside above, Can you have pets in a rented apartment in Spain?
For rented flats in Spain, your lease contract may have a clause that prohibits domestic animals; if you go ahead and bring pets onto the property anyway, the landlord has the right to end the rental contract and evict you. If you wish to have pets in a rented apartment, your best bet is to negotiate a change in the contract with the owner.
What if my dog is considered a dangerous animal in Spain?
Answer to this: If your pet is considered a dangerous animal in Spain, you must add them to the Dangerous Animals Register ( Registro de Animales Potencialmente Peligroso ). You can do this at your local town hall or online. There are plans to remove all breeds of dogs from this register by the end of 2022.
What is Spain’s animal protection law? Photo: Justin Veenema/Unsplash Spain’s Animal Protection Law is set to receive full legislative approval on Friday, a bill which includes a wide array of recommendations and prohibitions aimed at giving pets and other animals greater protection against abuse and abandonment.
Beside above, Can you buy a dog in Spain? However, you can still buy pets in Spain from licensed breeders or secondhand on websites such as Milanuncios. If you decide to get an animal from a breeder, ensure they have a valid license. Like many other countries, Spain has a problem with unlicensed breeding and the illegal trading of animals. Again, laws vary across regions.
Are animals a ‘companion animal’ in Spain? As from Wednesday 5th January 2022, animals in Spain will be considered to be sentient beings, meaning that they can no longer be seized, mortgaged, abandoned, mistreated or removed from one of their owners in the case of a separation or divorce. Livestock animals are not considered ‘companion animals’.