€9,000 Fine for Abandoning a Cat in the Street: Penalties Could Reach €200,000
A resident of Ciempozuelos, near Madrid, has been fined over €9,000 for abandoning their cat, as authorities crack down on animal neglect under Spain’s new Animal Welfare Law.
Caught in the act of abandonment
In a clear message to all pet owners, the City Council of Ciempozuelos has issued a €9,001 fine to an individual caught abandoning their cat in public. The incident was treated as a “serious offense” under Spain’s Animal Welfare Law passed in 2023.
The fine was signed off by Lucía Balandín, Councillor for Animal Protection, who emphasized that protecting animals is not just a legal duty but an ethical one.
Spain’s tough new animal welfare law
The 2023 Animal Welfare Law includes steep fines ranging from €500 to €200,000, depending on the severity of the offense. Actions punishable under the law include pet abandonment, neglect, illegal restraint methods, and unsupervised confinement for over 24 hours—even if the animal has food and water.
Additionally, unauthorized feeding of stray cat colonies or adopting street animals without official permission may also be subject to penalties.
“Pick it up or pay”: a broader campaign for animal responsibility
The Council also reminded residents that its “Pick it up or pay” campaign is still active, targeting dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets. Fines for not collecting pet waste can reach up to €900, although free waste bags are available at the town’s Employment and Training Center for residents with proper documentation.
Identification and medical responsibility for pet owners
The law also outlines several key responsibilities for pet owners. Pets must be microchipped and reported as lost if they go missing. It is also illegal to euthanize animals based on age alone to avoid the cost of care.
“Measures like these are essential to foster a culture of responsible coexistence with animals,” said Balandín.
A clear message: negligence won’t be tolerated
The local government concluded by reaffirming that any behavior endangering animal well-being would be met with firm consequences. The municipality’s stance is clear: protect animals, or face serious financial penalties.
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