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 Acea de Olga Veterinary Hospital; And Susanna Muniz, a resident of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine, shared different details. Francisco Javier Diagez, professor of animal production at USC and resident of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine, moderated the talk.
Diaguez explained in detail what the law included and listed the most controversial points, such as the exclusion of hunting dogs from its purview, the obligation for owners to keep a dog or the status of exotic animals depending on the company of the pet. . Future positive 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 has insisted that “a working, defense or hunting animal cannot be made a stuffed animal”. In view of this, Muniz has argued that “at present it is clear that something is not right, because in the kennel Most of the dogs are hunting dogs”, but Luis Eusebio commented that he would appreciate it if abandoned animals were not identified “it would also give a presumption of innocence to the hunters”.
For his part, Mendez insisted that “although it is true that this law is more aimed at 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. Moreover, he is sorry that “this law is not focused on these types of animals.”
Regarding guard dogs, Muniz has argued that “one of the great advantages of this law is the ability of all dogs to be detected.” 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 Méndez highlights that “in the daily clinic we can all see its advantages”, because “in Galicia it was madness to have a detection dog and be able to read the chip if you happen to visit Asturias”. Won’t happen”. 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 electrocution, convulsions and choke collars, there is “a register of trainers, which will allow those who psychologically abuse animals to be prosecuted.” 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.” He adds that “the expectation is that training must be passed for each species before it can be a pet”. He specifies that this test must include “some morality of each species, the language of each animal, the behavior in nature, the needs…”, but regrets that “perhaps it is somewhat too mild”.
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% of cats are identified with a microchip”. For this reason, “it will be essential that we start at the very beginning and that we put in place the equipment so that all companion animals can be identified.” “Laws are great, but they can’t be put into practice,” he concluded.
