Controversial bylaw in Granada limits number of pets per household.
A new by-law says three animals is enough for anyone
The Town Hall of Granada is set to introduce a controversial new local bylaw regarding the keeping of pets in the municipality, with some of the points contained within the legislation likely to anger dog- and cat-lovers in the city.
At the moment there are over 26,000 dogs and 2,500 cats registered in Granada, and the local council has detected a need for the regulations regarding them and their owners to be tightened up: according to the Town Hall, the aims are to avoid the maltreatment of animals, reduce the number of pets being abandoned and establish rules regarding their being kept in adequate homes.
These aims are likely to be applauded by animal lovers everywhere, but some of the legislation by which the Town Hall hopes to achieve them will certainly not find favour with pet owners. Chief among these is the stipulation that the maximum appropriate number of pets in one home should be three, and that the animals kept should not be large.
In addition, all pets kept should be checked up by a vet in order to protect the health not only of the animal but also of its human neighbours.
Not content with this, the council goes on to stipulate that any dog weighing over 20kg will be required to wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times outside the home. Apparently last year there were more than 400 fines levied on owners who failed to keep their dogs on a lead, and the Town Hall is eager to reduce that number this year.
Similarly, last year 46 fines of 150 euros or more were imposed on owners who failed to remove their dogs’ excrement from the streets of the city, and the council will continue to crack down on this offence.
On the other hand, should they or their owners be reading this news, the dogs of Granada will be pleased to learn that there are to be more specific canine play areas in the city, where they can be let off their leads to frolic as they please. At the moment there are just two such areas, in the Parque Federico García Lorca and the Parque Tico Medina, but the new local regulations specify that two more are to be created every month.
Source: Spanish NewsToday