In Spanish homes, the French bulldog has earned a prominent place: its noble character and its amazing ability to adapt to the life of a pet have won the hearts of dog lovers. However, with the implementation of the new animal protection law in Spain , the life of these little bulldogs (and that of their owners) will be, at least, slightly affected.
This legislation introduces a series of obligations, which vary depending on the particular characteristics of each individual canine, regardless of the breed to which it belongs.
Obligations imposed by the animal welfare protection law on dog owners
Until the entry into force of Law 2/2023, on the Protection, Welfare and Ownership of Companion Animals , there were four main requirements for the owner of a dog:
*Identification of the canine and its owner, with the mandatory implantation of a subcutaneous microchip containing such data.
*It is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash and under control in public areas .
*Mandatory use of muzzle in public areas for dogs classified as PPP (potentially dangerous dogs).
*It is mandatory to take out pet insurance with civil liability coverage (damage to third parties) for dogs classified as PPP.
However, since September 29, 2023, the date the new law comes into force, quite a few things have changed.
In the specific case of a French bulldog, a subcutaneous microchip is still mandatory and the dog must be on a leash and under control while in public areas. But, in addition, these other obligations apply:
Pet insurance with liability coverage
We add that this compensation concept may already be included in your current home insurance , if you already had your French bulldog when you contracted it. So we recommend that you review your policy and check what the limit of the compensation amount is .
#1 Veterinary care
The law imposes the obligation to provide regular veterinary care to all pets , whether they are dogs, cats, other mammals, birds, fish or reptiles. Owners must prove that their pets have received the required vaccinations on time, as well as take all necessary actions to prevent diseases and diagnose and treat them veterinarily.
#2 Living space
Dogs must have an adequate space to live in, in the proper hygienic and sanitary conditions. This includes a place of shelter from the sun, rain and other inclement weather. In addition to having sufficient space to move freely, it is prohibited for them to remain permanently tied up , both indoors and outdoors. In the case of guard dogs, the necessary security measures must be put in place to prevent possible attacks.
#3 Socialization and mental health
The law states that dogs must have access to daily exercise and opportunities to socialise. Regular walks and activities that stimulate their bodies are now a legal obligation.
#4 Abuse, neglect and abandonment
Abandonment and any form of mistreatment or neglect in care or abandonment are strictly prohibited. We add that leaving a dog alone in a home for a period of more than 24 hours is a punishable act. In addition, the law establishes strong sanctions for those who do not comply with these precepts. So much so that serious breaches are a crime and carry a prison sentence.
#5 Education and responsibility
In addition, the law establishes that specific and mandatory training programs will be developed in the future for dog owners, and that they will be required to access the future ownership of a dog , both by acquisition and by adoption.
The thorny issue of PPPs
As regards breeds considered potentially dangerous, nothing has changed for the moment: each autonomous community continues to maintain its previous list of PPPs and applies its own regulations, both with regard to restrictions and the requirements of mandatory civil liability insurance.
This means that the French Bulldog is still not considered a PPP breed in any autonomous community. Therefore, the French Bulldog is not subject to any new special requirements , either with regard to pet insurance or the use of a muzzle.
But beware! The law adds that, in the near future, an individual evaluation system will be developed by experts, to which each individual dog must be subjected , in order to officially determine the dog’s degree of sociability and aggressiveness.
It is therefore not out of the question that some specific specimen of French bulldog, which is exceptionally aggressive or asocial, may, in the future, be subject to restrictions comparable to those of current PPPs. This will apply to any other dog breed .
What must be covered by mandatory pet insurance for a French bulldog, according to this new law?
As regards compulsory pet insurance, this must include a minimum compensation benefit of 120,000 euros, regardless of the breed and size of the dog. This amount is intended to cover material damage caused to people or things, either as a result of an attack, a playful attack or the provocation of a traffic accident.
However, this compensation amount may be significantly higher in PPP cases, since the autonomous communities still have their own regulations in force.
Protect your French bulldog’s health with the best pet insurance
And with this we conclude: whether or not you have taken out mandatory pet insurance for your French bulldog , we recommend that you do not limit yourself to complying with the requirements of the law.
On the insurance market, you can find comprehensive pet insurance policies at a very reasonable cost that cover practically any veterinary contingency. For very little money per year, give your faithful four-legged friend the gift he deserves.
With these insurance policies with veterinary coverage, your French bulldog’s health and nutrition will be monitored periodically by professionals. And if they suspect any illness or ailment, your pet will always receive an accurate diagnosis and the best veterinary treatment.
