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La Voz de Andalucía

Regulations on Unleashed Dogs in Almería: When It's Allowed and When It's Not

The Animal Welfare Law does not absolutely prohibit unleashed dogs, but municipalities in Almería apply specific restrictions.

Generic image of a dog leash on a city sidewalk in a Mediterranean setting.
IA

Generic image of a dog leash on a city sidewalk in a Mediterranean setting.

The regulations concerning unleashed dogs in public spaces within the province of Almería often lead to confusion, as state law sets general criteria that are then specified by municipal ordinances.

Law 7/2023 on the protection of animal rights and welfare, in force since 2023, does not universally prohibit dogs from being off-leash. However, it establishes a fundamental condition: they cannot be unleashed if there is a risk of causing harm to people, other animals, or the environment in public or publicly accessible areas. This means the focus is not on the leash as an obligation, but on the effective control of the animal by its owner.
The application of this law varies significantly at the municipal level. In the city of Almería, the local ordinance requires dogs to be led and under control in public thoroughfares, which in practice means the habitual use of a leash. In urban parks such as Parque de las Familias or Parque Nicolás Salmerón, the general rule is animal control, except in areas specifically designated for off-leash activity.
Restrictions are stricter in sensitive environments. For example, in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, dogs cannot be off-leash due to the potential impact on wildlife, livestock, and the local ecosystem. This differentiation highlights that regulations are not uniform across the entire province.
Municipalities such as Roquetas de Mar and El Ejido have developed their own ordinances to complement state law. In Roquetas de Mar, recent regulations have tightened restrictions in specific areas like beaches, gardens, and children's play areas, where animal control is mandatory and often more rigorous. In El Ejido, regulations also emphasize the obligation to keep dogs controlled in public spaces, with rules linked to coexistence and the use of common areas, which in practice limits their freedom outside designated zones.
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to penalties that vary according to the severity of the infraction. Minor infractions can start at around 500 euros, while more serious ones can reach considerably higher figures. The key factor for penalties is not just having an unleashed dog, but the context in which it occurs: if there is a risk, if damage is caused, or if specific municipal regulations are violated.

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