Spanish government to adopt EU pet guidelines

DOCKED tails and clipped ears are set to become a thing of the past for dogs in Spain as the Council of Ministers has agreed to adhere to European Union pet protection guidelines.

The guidelines, put in place by the EU in 1987, forbid all surgical interventions with aesthetic intentions including tail docking, ear clipping, cutting of vocal chords and removal of claws or teeth, the Ministry for Agriculture and the Environment has explained.

Having received the government’s approval, the Environmental Ministry stated on Friday (September 25), the text will now be sent to the General Courts for approval, which if given will make Spain the 18^th EU member state to adopt the guidelines.

Use of pets for publicity and entertainment is also limited amongst the measures to ensure their health and wellbeing are not endangered.

The National Association for Animal Defence (ANDA) has expressed its satisfaction at the news, explaining it has been asking the government to adopt the guidelines for more than 10 years.

 “The text acknowledges the fact that pets have a special relationship with humans. Also it underlines their contribution to quality of life and their value for society,” the animal rights group stated.

Other measures contemplated in the guidelines include regulations on gifting pets to under 16s which will ensure parental approval is obtained beforehand, along with regulations on how councils deal with strays to ensure they do not suffer.