On the occasion of the publication of the new law 7/2023 of 28 March on the protection of animal rights and welfare, the first national law in history, a roundtable was held at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine de Lugo, to learn about the different Aspects that affect veterinary professionals.
luis eusebio fidalgo Professor of the Veterinary Medicine Clinic at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC); Adriana Mendez, veterinarian at the Acea de Olga Veterinary Hospital; And Susanna Muniz Resident of European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral MedicineHe has shared different information. Negotiations moderated by Francisco Javier Dieguez Professor of Animal Production at USC and Resident European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine.
Diaguez explained in detail what is included in the law and Listed the most controversial points such as the exclusion of hunting dogs from its purview, an obligation for owners to keep a dog or the status of exotic animals as pets based on a positive future listing.
After the presentation, Fidalgo, as president of the Galician Hunting Federation, recalled that, although focused on hunting dogs, “guide dogs, dogs of the security forces, work animals and production animals. Thus, it insisted that “a working, defense or hunting animal cannot be made into a stuffed animal”. In view of this, Muniz has argued that “currently It is clear that something is not right, as most of the dogs in the kennel are hunting dogs.“, but Luis Eusebio commented that he would appreciate if the abandoned animals were not identified” There would also be a presumption of innocence for the hunters.
For his part, Méndez has insisted that, “While it is true that this law is more targeted towards pets,” It would be convenient if there was a law for “hunting dogs, “Seprona checks the microchips of the hunting dogs that go to the mountains, but they are microchipped. The problem is that not all of those who stay at home wear it”, he said. Sorry that “this law is not focused on these types of animals.”
As for guard dogs, Muniz argued that “One of the great advantages of this law is that all dogs are traceable.”, He considers this measure “fundamental, because that’s how we know who’s leaving them.” He pointed out that it is a rule that “positively affects all dogs.”
Identify all animals
Another highlight of the law is the identification of animals throughout the national territory. Adriana Mendez highlights that “we can all see its benefits in the daily clinic”, because “In Galicia it was madness to have an identification dog and if you happen to visit Asturias you will not be able to read the chip, He affirms that “it cannot be given a downside”.
Susana Muniz has pointed out that an important section is that which refers to animal behavior and its training. In addition to prohibiting the use of electric, convulsive, and choking collars, “have a register of trainers, which will allow those who psychologically abuse animals and may be persecuted, Although Méndez has had an impact, the law states that an animal behavior professional can be anyone, other than veterinarians trained in animal behavior and ethics, who has “at least basic training and a degree of professionalism for dog education.” certificate”. Despite this, Muniz believes that “everything is still open, but for now the promise is beautiful. It remains to be seen who does what.”
Compulsory culling of dogs is one of the most controversial measures of animal welfare legislation. Susana Muniz admits that “for those who already have a dog and know what it means, it is silly, but for those who do not, it can be useful.” add it “Expect that a training must be passed for each species before being a pet”, He specified that this test “must include some of the ethics of each species, the language of each animal, the behavior in nature, the needs…”, but regretted that “presumably it is something else Light,
Speakers detailed the new rules in terms of feline colonies, commenting on the status of exotic animals, which “still await the creation of a positive list that indicates species permitted as pets”. is”, and recalled that, “From now on, when a pet dies it must be cremated or buried with an authorized company,
To conclude the discussion, Adriana Méndez pointed out that “this law sounds good to me in general”, but a significant weakness is that “as indicated in it, less than 30% of the dogs that come to the reception centers are And 4% are cats.” identified with a microchip”. because of this reason, “It will be necessary that we start first and that we set up the equipment so that all companion animals can be identified, Until that happens, “laws are great, but they can’t be put into practice,” he concluded.
