Lorraine Williamson
Cat owners in Spain face fines of up to €200,000 if they fail to comply with new animal welfare legislation. Law 7/2023, introduced on 28 March 2023, requires all cats to be registered and microchipped, bringing feline welfare standards in line with those already in place for dogs.
The Spanish government implemented the new law to harmonise animal welfare regulations across its autonomous communities. Previously, laws varied widely, causing confusion among pet owners. Now, every cat owner in Spain, regardless of location, must ensure their pet is microchipped and registered.
This change means microchipping is no longer optional or limited to specific regions or animal types. By making it compulsory for cats, authorities aim to reduce the number of lost or abandoned animals.
How microchipping works
The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted beneath a cat’s skin by a licensed veterinarian, usually around the neck area. Furthermore, each device carries a unique 15-digit code linked to a nationwide database. The database stores essential details, including the owner’s name, address, and contact information, simplifying identification if a cat is lost or stolen.
Deadline for microchipping your cat
Under the new regulations, cats must be microchipped between three to six months of age. Failing to meet this requirement constitutes a serious offence. Moreover, veterinarians must carry out this quick and minimally invasive procedure.
Penalties for breaking the law
Owners who neglect to microchip their cats risk hefty fines ranging from €50,001 to €200,000. Other serious infractions include selling cats through unauthorised channels or failing to report a missing animal within 48 hours.
Authorities have emphasised that the legislation is designed not to punish but to promote responsible pet ownership. Cat owners are urged to comply promptly to avoid severe financial penalties and help ensure the welfare and safety of their pets.