It’s unfair that Spaniards are often portrayed as not being kind to animals (many cities have banned bull-fighting due to local protests, and areas where it continues is often due to UK tourist companies promoting them to tourists).
Many locals campaign for better welfare for galgos (Spanish greyhounds) that are abused within the racing industry. Learn more on how to help greyhounds.
Like here, Spain has its own animal welfare party, part of the progressive Sumar political movement. In 2023, Spain’s first national animal welfare law took effect, which means it’s now illegal for dogs to be left alone for a considerable time, or to leave them tethered and unsupervised.
One of the (very few) good things that Boris Johnson did while in power, was to bring in a Kept Animals Bill, a ground-breaking piece of legislation, which would have made pet welfare and other laws more stringent, and banned trophy hunting imports. But before it came to pass, Rishi Sunak took over, and scrapped it.
Labour is apparently bringing back parts of the Bill but bit by bit, and more slowly. Read more on improving England’s animal welfare laws.
Tourism With a Conscience
Many cities have now banned horse carriages (unlike say in London), as horses are often spooked by traffic, tired or thirsty. They have been banned everywhere from Spain to Central Park in New York.
If you travel to Spain, you can support good practice:
- Avoid any companies that promote bullfights.
- Choose tours that do not use animals for photo props.
- Avoid attractions that keep wild animals in poor conditions.
- Pick eateries that label welfare-friendly options.
- Donate supplies to local shelters if you have spare space in your bag.
Small choices add up when millions visit each year.
Bullfights Banned in Many Spanish Cities
Bullfighting is a public show where matador fights a bull in a ring (the bull sadly has no chance unless now and then kills the matador, which surprisingly causes uproar). Many places in Spain no longer allow bullfights. Local and regional governments made rules that ban them or make them very hard to hold.
Some people wish to keep the tradition. They see it as art and history. They also point to jobs and tourism. But increasingly many Spanish cities are banning bullfights, as most western tourists (the main customers) no longer wish to see an innocent animal shot with darts to a roaring crowd, before being killed.
Young people in particular in Spain are against bullfights. A growing sign of the times. The recent election of Pope Leo has seen a campaign to ask him to publicly denounce bullfights, as they are a strong part of the Catholic faith in some countries (like Mexico, which is also gradually banning them).
Like Pope Francis before him, he claims to love animals. Fr Terry Martin (a Catholic priest in Sussex) is at the forefront of asking the Vatican to denounce bullfighting, at least someone who is tune with real faith.
A Nation That Keeps Animals Close
Spain is a country of pet lovers. Dogs trot beside their guardians through plazas, cats peer from sunny balconies, and veterinary clinics sit on many high streets. The bond is clear, and it is growing.
Why does this matter? Care for animals reflects care for community. When you see water bowls by shop doors or shade set up for dogs at outdoor cafés, you see values in action.
From Property to Sentient Beings
Spain has taken formal steps to recognise animal welfare. The Civil Code now treats animals as sentient beings, not just objects. A national Animal Welfare Law, passed in recent years, strengthens protections. Key measures include tighter controls on sales, stronger identification rules, and a ban on wild animals in circuses.
The law is not the whole story, and it still has exceptions. For example, long-standing traditions have a complex legal status. Even so, the direction is plain. The framework now says animals feel and matter, and public policy should reflect that.
Shelters, Rescues, and Adoption Culture
Walk into a Spanish shelter and you will find volunteers who give their time, expertise, and often their homes to animals in need. Adoption days in city squares pull in families, students, and retirees. Social media has become a lifeline, with local groups sharing photos, vet updates, and appeals for foster homes.
What makes adoption in Spain distinctive?
- Community-led action: Many rescues rely on networks of foster carers. They step in when shelters are full.
- Education first: Groups run talks in schools and hold public events that promote responsible care.
- Cross-border partnerships: Some charities work with adopters abroad when it improves a dog’s or cat’s chances.
The message is simple. Adopt if you can, support if you cannot.
Street Cats, TNR, and Quiet Care
Town councils, neighbourhood groups, and volunteers often support TNR programs, short for trap, neuter, and return. This approach lowers the number of street cats over time, while protecting established colonies. You will see feeding stations tucked behind markets, and metal plates on walls with notices about cats that are cared for and neutered.
It is a calm, practical solution. No drama, just steady work that respects both animal welfare and public health.
Pet-Friendly Cities and Urban Policies
Spanish cities have adapted to the needs of pets. You will notice:
- Dog zones in parks: Clearly marked areas for off-lead play.
- Public water points: Bowls and taps during long summers.
- Pet rules on transport: Some buses, trams, and trains allow pets with sensible limits.
- Heat safety: Shade and ventilation warnings at public events, and fines for leaving pets in cars.
These steps do not grab headlines, but they add up. A city that plans for animals plans for people too. Cooler streets, cleaner parks, and quieter fireworks help everyone.
Food Choices and Kinder Menus
You can eat well in Spain and still choose with care. Plant-forward menus have spread beyond big cities. Tapas bars add mushroom croquetas, grilled artichokes, and chickpea stews. Markets stock plant milks, vegan cheeses, and meat-free options. Supermarkets make it easy to shop with a lighter footprint.
Food writers, athletes, and vets join the conversation, raising the profile of welfare and health. It is not about perfection. It is about everyday swaps that feel normal, not niche.
Read this book of Spanish vegan recipes (by a professional chef).
Tradition, Debate, and Change Over Time
Spain’s culture is rich and diverse, and some traditions raise strong feelings. Public debate is honest and often heated. That is a sign of care, not apathy. In many regions, public funds have moved away from events that involve animal harm. Some towns have updated festivities with creative, cruelty-free alternatives.
Change rarely happens overnight. It arrives step by step, shaped by local voices, court rulings, and community votes. The trend is towards more protection and more humane choices.
Education That Starts Early
Schools, libraries, and youth groups play a big role. Children learn how to read animal body language, why microchipping matters, and what to do if they find a stray. This knowledge prevents bites, reduces fear, and builds empathy. Think of it as road safety, but for living beings. When you teach respect early, you prevent harm later.
