Many people have ever wondered If animals have rights. We are not only talking about those animals that we have at home, such as cats or dogs, but about all those that inhabit the planet. Humanity has recognized, for several decades now, the rights of animals, reflected in a vitally important document: the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF ANIMAL RIGHTS.
Preamble
In the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, a series of fundamental considerations are set out that support the recognition of animal rights:
- Every animal has rights.
- Ignorance and disregard for animal rights have often led humans to commit atrocious crimes against nature.
- Recognition of the rights of other animal species is essential for the peaceful coexistence of all beings on the planet.
- Humans have occasionally committed what is considered genocide against other species.
- Respect for animals is closely connected with respect for human beings among themselves.
- Education plays a crucial role, since it is necessary to teach respect and love for animals from childhood.
The following is proclaimed:
Article 1º
All animals are born equal to life and have the same rights to existence.
Article 2º
- Every animal has the right to be respected.
- As an animal species, man cannot claim the right to exterminate or exploit animals in a way that violates their rights. On the contrary, he has the obligation to put his knowledge at the service of animals.
- All animals have the right to receive care, attention and protection from humans.
Article 3º
- No animal should be subjected to mistreatment or cruel acts.
- If the death of an animal is necessary, it must be done instantly, painlessly and without causing distress.
Article 4º
- Every animal belonging to a wild species has the right to live in freedom within its natural environment, whether terrestrial, aquatic or aerial, and to reproduce.
- Any form of deprivation of liberty, even for educational purposes, goes against this right.
Article 5º
- Any animal that lives traditionally in the human environment has the right to live and grow at the natural pace of its species and in conditions appropriate to its lifestyle.
- Altering this rhythm or these living conditions, in an imposed manner by humans, is a violation of animal rights.
Article 6º
- Every animal chosen by humans to be their companion has the right to a life span that is in accordance with their natural longevity.
- Abandoning an animal is a cruel and deeply degrading act.
Article 7º
Working animals have fundamental rights:
- They must be subject to reasonable limitations on the time and intensity of work.
- It is necessary to ensure that they receive adequate nutrition and sufficient rest periods for their well-being.
Animal Welfare Act and its relationship with cats
Expanding our focus to recent legislation that directly affects cat owners in Spain, the Animal Rights and Welfare Protection Act represents a significant step forward in the recognition of the rights of companion animals, including cats.
Let's analyze some key points that directly affect the lives of our felines:
Cat classification according to the Animal Welfare Act
This law classifies cats into three categories according to their lifestyle:
- Domestic cats: Those who reside in human homes and are totally dependent on human care.
- Marauding Cats: Cats that are not totally dependent on humans and that roam freely outside the home. They are cats that are used to moving around without supervision.
- Community cats: These are cats that live in freedom, depend in part on humans for their survival, but are not pets. They are managed through controlled colonies, as we will see later.
Legal requirements for owning cats
According to the law, cat owners are obliged to comply with a series of requirements to ensure the well-being of their animals:
- Identification by microchip: All cats must be identified by a microchip and registered in the pet databases.
- Sterilization: The law strongly encourages the sterilisation of cats, especially those that live in an environment where they can reproduce uncontrollably, such as community cats. Registered breeders are the only exception.
- Prohibition of abandonment: Abandoning a cat is considered a serious crime, which can be subject to significant financial penalties, and in severe cases, jail time.
Protection of community cats
One of the most relevant points of the Animal Welfare Law as far as cats are concerned is the protection of community cat coloniesThese colonies are made up of cats that do not have a particular owner, but are integrated into the environment of a community and partially depend on people for their survival.
The law states that:
- Community cats must be registered and controlled by CES (capture, sterilization and release) programs.
- Capture of these cats is prohibited, unless for control through sterilization or for health reasons.
- Local authorities have an obligation to implement ethical management programs for community cat colonies.
Furthermore, the arbitrary removal or displacement of these colonies is prohibited, subject to financial penalties. Causing the death of a community cat is considered a very serious offence, with fines ranging from 10.000 to 200.000 euros.
In other regional legislations, more specific measures are established for the management and care of these colonies, such as the creation of shelters, controlled feeding or safe spaces for these felines.
Cat culling under the law
Euthanasia of a cat can only be carried out in very specific cases and must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. There are three permitted cases:
- Relief from suffering: When a cat suffers from an incurable disease and its quality of life is extremely low.
- Safety reasons: If the cat represents a danger to other animals or people.
- Threat to public health: In cases where it is demonstrated that the animal is a serious and justified threat to public health.
It is important to note that the law prohibits euthanasia for economic reasons, due to ageing or when the disease or injury can be treated. This reinforces the ethical aspect in the decision to sacrifice an animal.
Specific rights of cats under legal protection
Current Spanish legislation recognises specific rights for cats, highlighting important aspects for their well-being:
- Integration into the home: Cats must be part of the household. They cannot be left alone or unsupervised for more than 72 hours.
- Safety: Cats are not allowed in dangerous places or places that do not meet basic safety conditions, such as basements, storage rooms, terraces or balconies without adequate protection.
- Sterilization and care as a control measure: It is essential to avoid uncontrolled breeding and health problems associated with unwanted reproduction.
- Microchip and health control: Microchip identification is mandatory and it must be ensured that the cat is registered and healthy, with all its vaccinations and check-ups up to date.
Regulations on cat ownership in autonomous communities
Each autonomous community in Spain can add its own regulations regarding the protection and welfare of cats, complementing the national law. Let's look at some notable examples:
- Madrid: Madrid's regional law specifically prohibits cats from being left on terraces, balconies or any place where they may be exposed to adverse weather conditions without adequate shelter.
- Catalonia: The Generalitat of Catalonia establishes that municipalities must create censuses of community cats and prohibit the capture of these animals, except for sterilization or for health reasons.
The aim of these regional supplements is to guarantee a uniform standard in the treatment of animals, although, as we have seen, some communities are moving forward with additional measures to protect cats.
In this way, we can see how legislation in Spain and its regions is advancing to increasingly recognise and protect the rights of animals, including our faithful feline friends.
La Universal Declaration of Animal Rights set an invaluable precedent for respect towards all species on the planet, and its legacy continues to influence current legislative decisions. Continuing to promote respect for and welfare of animals requires both effective regulations and education and awareness in society to fully integrate animals into our lives in an ethical and respectful manner.