New Law Requires Dog Owners to Have Liability Insurance

have a dog as a pet It is very common in Spain and it is that they not only keep us company, but also make us feel dearest. In fact, the phrase “Who have a friend, have a treasure”, makes sense when the friend in question is a dog. The truth is They are the animals that are chosen the most as pets. and it is that they give us more than we could imagine. However, having a dog at home implies some requirements and some homework that we must take into account, such as the obligation to have a liability insurance.

On March 29, the final text of the Ley 7/2023 of protection of the rights and the well-being of the animals in which numerous novelties are included. An example is the article 30.3which establishes for the first time the obligation to have statewide dog liability insurance.

This law, which enters into force next September 29th, affects not only dogs, but all companion and wild animals in captivity, except hunting, guarding, and working dogs. Until now, it was voluntary to have this, with the exception of some autonomous communities where it was mandatory, as in Madrid.

As for the insurance price Civil liability will vary depending on the company with which the contract is made, the associated coverage and also the age of the animal, its size or even its breed. Anyway, the most basic price will be able to go from 25 to 40 euros per year, with coverage of up to 200,000 euros and a franchise of 200 euros. There’s also more comprehensive insurance available by 50 euros per year, with coverage of up to 150,000 euros and without excess. And even for around 90 euros a year, which include free stay in kennels in case of hospitalization of the owner and veterinary assistance due to an accident of up to 1,000 euros.

In case of not having this insurance from September, the owner of the dog will have to face a sanction. In severe cases, fines can range from 500 to 10,000 euros.

In addition to civil liability coverage, the new law also includes “the obligation to notify the competent administration the removal of the carcass of an identified companion animal. In addition, the loss of the animal due to death must be accompanied by the document proving that it was cremated or buried by an officially recognized company for carrying out said activities”.

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