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NEW LAW PROTECTING
ANIMAL RIGHTS
Spain’s social-communist government approved a new law for the protection and rights of animals. The new draft law came into force on the 5th January 2022. WORDS RAYMUNDO LARRAÍN NESBITT
T
his key law, which amends several other laws, is the latest addition to a general legal framework that is gathered in an Animal Codex (Código de Protección y Bienestar Animal) devised for the protection of animal welfare. Updated as of 27-01-2022. This was a trend that was started long ago by one man, a proto-ecologist called Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente in the 1970s who, over time, shaped Spanish modern society changing its mindset, even to
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our day, and has coalesced in this Animal Codex. No accolade can honour enough what this man achieved in benefit of us all. Almost four decades after his tragic death, he is still mourned and credited as the Father of Spanish Environmentalism. Spain’s historical disposition towards animals’ rights has been hazy at best. This situation has changed dramatically post-Constitution as new openminded generations, imbued by democratic ideals, seize
power to enact laws in line with the core values that behove a modern society. This new law, which extends jail terms to those who would abuse animals, is a clear victory for animal rights in Spain which have (finally) become a core tenet of our society and which may now be legally upheld. Kudos to our government for making such a great effort to protect our pets and wildlife. Credit where credit is due. Gracias Félix.
