Fine of €200,000 for pet travel that isn't secure in Spain
Headline: Strict Pet Travel Regulations in Spain: Heavy Fines for Non-Compliance
In Spain, pet transportation regulations are governed both by traffic laws and the Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023), with strict requirements and heavy fines for non-compliance.
Under Traffic Laws:
Fines for improper pet transport can reach up to €200,000 in extreme cases. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) mandates approved pet restraint systems to avoid penalties. These include double-anchor pet harnesses secured with seat belts, rigid transport crates fastened either in the rear seat or the boot of the vehicle, and vehicle partitions for larger dogs, ideally used with harnesses or crates. Methods such as soft harnesses, single anchor seat belts, or loose crates are not considered compliant.
Drivers can be penalized if a pet’s improper restraint leads to an accident or injury. Insurance claims may also be denied in such cases.
Under the Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023):
The law, which came into effect in 2023, adds a further layer of financial penalties related to the welfare of the animal during transport. Minor violations can result in fines up to €10,000, serious violations up to €50,000, and very serious violations, such as those leading to severe injury or death of an animal, up to €200,000. This law complements traffic regulations by addressing the treatment and physical safety of the animal, making Spain one of the strictest European countries regarding pet travel safety.
Enforcement and Compliance:
Animal protection associations urge the public to take pet safety seriously during peak travel months, and the DGT's summer road safety campaign emphasizes the importance of pet restraint during holiday travel. Traffic authorities are increasing roadside checks over the summer period to monitor compliance with pet safety rules. Drivers are advised to check their vehicle and restraint systems before traveling with pets.
The DGT's official advice and guidelines for pet travel are available on their website. Improper transport of a dog could potentially fall under both traffic and animal protection laws. Drivers found with an unrestrained pet in a moving vehicle typically face a €200 fine. If a dog is on the driver's lap or poses a significant distraction, the penalty increases to €500 and a loss of three license points.
[1] Spanish traffic laws and pet travel regulations: https://www.dgt.es/ [2] Animal protection associations' guidelines for pet travel: https://www.apd.es/ [3] Legal advice on pet transportation in Spain: https://www.abogados.es/
- Strict regulations under Spain's Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023) and traffic laws impose heavy fines on businesses and individuals engaging in improper pet transportation, with penalties reaching up to €200,000 for serious violations.
- Public-transit systems, as well as private vehicle owners, are encouraged to comply with transportation safety guidelines for pets to avoid fines and insurance claim denials, due to the strict pet travel regulations in Spain.
- Adherence to pet travel regulations, enforced by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) and animal protection associations, is crucial for maintaining a lifestyle that balances personal business needs with the welfare of pets in Spain.
