The truths of “Animal Welfare Law”: the reality that demands action, not excuses

Abstract

Law 7/2023, of March 28, on the protection of animal rights and welfare, could be considered a significant step forward in the protection of animal rights and welfare in Spain, introducing an innovative legal framework that recognizes animals as "sentient beings." Its main objective is to define the regulatory framework that allows for the greatest possible protection of animal rights and welfare, as established in Article 2. The legislation focuses on eradicating animal abuse and abandonment, promoting responsible pet ownership through a series of prohibitions and obligations that affect the lives of companion animals. Beyond a minimal legislative analysis as a methodology, the question arises: Are people actually complying with the Animal Welfare Law? This paper aims to contribute to this debate, with some examples, like an analysis of Royal Decree 666/2023, of July 18 (which regulates the distribution, prescription, dispensing and use of veterinary medicines), and an experience in a small municipality in the Axarquía region of Málaga -with a feline colony-, with truths to decipher for future research such as: do these laws really improve animal welfare, or is much more than specific regulations needed?