The recent Animal Welfare Law has clarified a common practice among pet owners: the presence of dogs and cats on terraces and balconies. The regulation is firm in stating that habitually keeping animals in these outdoor living spaces is prohibited. This measure aims to ensure minimum welfare conditions, protecting them from prolonged exposure to adverse weather, such as heat or cold, as well as from isolation.
The legal text specifies that this prohibition applies to terraces, balconies, rooftops, storage rooms, basements, or patios. While occasional use of these areas is permitted, always under supervision and without them constituting the animal's primary residence, the law penalizes continuous use. The objective is to prevent these spaces from becoming the sole habitat for dogs and cats, which could negatively affect their physical and emotional health.
“"It is not permitted to keep dogs and cats habitually in these spaces."
Non-compliance with this regulation is classified as a serious infraction. Financial penalties for continuously keeping pets on terraces or balconies can range from 10,001 to 50,000 euros. In extreme cases, if the animal suffers severe harm or even dies as a direct consequence of these inadequate conditions, fines could increase further, considered very serious infractions.
The law also reinforces other general obligations for owners, such as integrating animals into the family unit whenever possible, ensuring adequate shelter, and providing care according to their needs. Temporal limits are also set for unsupervised absences: dogs must not be left alone for more than 24 hours, while for cats, the period extends up to three days. These measures aim to prevent situations of hidden abandonment and ensure the quality of life for domestic animals.
