Spanish Government Warns Cat Owners: New Law Requires Microchipping or Fines Up to €200,000
The Spanish government has issued a formal warning to cat owners across the country, reminding them of the legal obligations introduced by the new Animal Welfare Law (Law 7/2023, enacted March 28). Among the most significant changes is the mandatory identification of domestic cats through microchipping—a requirement that now applies uniformly throughout Spain, regardless of region.
This regulation, championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration, aims to standardize animal protection laws across autonomous communities and improve pet population control and safety.
Microchip now compulsory for cats
While microchipping was previously mandatory for dogs in most areas, cats were often left out of such regulations. With the new law, all cats must now be microchipped, making it a universal legal requirement for pet identification.
The chip must be implanted during the animal’s early months—ideally by three months of age or, at the latest, six months. Failing to do so within this window may result in a serious administrative offense under the new legislation.
What the microchip does
The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the cat’s skin near the neck and contains a unique 15-digit code. While it does not store personal data, this code links to a national registry (like REIAC) where the owner's name, address, and contact information are recorded. This registration is vital in the event the animal is lost or abandoned, allowing authorities to trace the rightful owner quickly.
Penalties for non-compliance
According to the law, failing to microchip a cat is considered a “serious offense.” Penalties range from €50,001 to €200,000. These steep fines also apply to other violations, such as selling cats in unauthorized stores or failing to report a missing animal within 48 hours.
The government hopes this reform will not only curb the estimated 286,000 annual pet abandonments in Spain but also foster a culture of responsible pet ownership.
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