Animal protection law for turtles

The animal protection law may affect our pets, turtles. The main objective is to eliminate animal cruelty and abandonment in Spain.

Even the water turtles or land, which are loved by many families, may also be prohibited because, according to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, they are animals that carry a large number of infectious diseases, such as fungal infections, and therefore illnesses.

The Spanish government rolled up its sleeves in 2022 to support animal protection efforts. In January pets were legally recognized as sentient beings, whereas before they had been considered "objects" or commodities. In August, the second session of the Council of Ministers approved a new animal protection law.

The measure was driven by the Ministry of Social Rights . It is expected to come into force before the end of the year and will include interesting changes aimed at ending animal cruelty in our country.

Animals prohibited by the Animal Protection Law

According to the criteria it establishes, the Animal Protection Law can prohibit keeping the following animals at home:

Spiders, lovebirds, birds native to other countries, chameleons, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, parrots, geckos, hamsters, iguanas, parakeets, mice, snakes and our turtles

Penalties and fines

The new law goes hand in hand with the reform of the penal code to strengthen penalties for cruelty to animals. If death occurred, this would include 18 to 24 months of imprisonment, and up to 36 months in the case of more than one aggravating circumstance. It also contemplates disqualification from living with or working with animals for five to ten years.

As for fines, these will be greatly increased. The infringements minor are punished with fines of €500 to €10,000, the serious from €10,001 to €50,000 and the very serious from €50,001 to €200,000. Another notable change is that instrumental violence will be included as an aggravating factor in gender-based violence cases where animals are used as tools.

The animal protection law regarding our turtles

For now, let us hope this law remains theoretical. If the law is approved, those who already own such pets will be able to keep them, but will not be able to acquire more. Existing turtles should be registered with the municipal town hall. The procedure will be made easy to carry this out.

For more information consult BOE.es.