Important Legal Aspects In The Sale Of Animals

The sale of animals is usually regulated by specific laws in most countries, including Spain. But unfortunately, wildlife trafficking continues to be one of the great threats to the biodiversity of our ecosystems.

In fact, this type of sale is considered the third most alarming illicit practice globally, only remaining behind drug and arms trafficking.

To give you an idea, according to the Living Planet Report ( The Living Planet ) , the biodiversity of the world ‘s wildlife has been reduced by 58% over the past 70 years.

The study carried out by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) also reveals that populations of vertebrate animals have declined by around 60% in the last four decades.

However, when we talk about the illegal sale of animals, we are not referring only to the trafficking of wild species. Even today, we find numerous illegal breeding sites for dogs, cats and other domestic animals. And although it is not accounted for in the alarming figures mentioned, this practice is also penalized by Spanish law.

Below we will highlight some key legal aspects regarding the sale of domestic and exotic animals. We recommend that you read them carefully before going to any kennel or contacting a private seller to acquire a new pet.

Buying and selling of animals in Spain: some general considerations about their legality

First of all, it is important to note that Spain does not have a framework law that regulates the sale of animals throughout its territory. Each Autonomous Community has the autonomy to approve its own regulations on this activity. As well as to determine the specific hygiene and safety parameters that establishments must comply with.

Therefore, the best way to avoid being scammed or getting involved in illegal transactions when acquiring a pet, is to know the current regulations in your city.

Currently, the most ethical position is to opt for adoption, thus helping to combat neglect and the homeless population. In addition to providing a new life to an animal that has been unjustly the victim of human irresponsibility.

Individuals are not allowed to act as sellers of animals

The different regional regulations usually include in their legal systems the prohibition of the sale of animals by individuals who do not meet the requirements. Consequently, people who offer animals for sale over the Internet, whether in social networks or market places , can be reported.

In Spain, all breeders must apply for a special license to legally engage in the breeding and marketing of animals. Therefore, the establishments and sellers that possess this document will already be violating the regulations in force in the country.

In addition, illegal farms carry out this activity without taking into account multiple health and hygiene factors, which are essential for the physical and emotional integrity of the animals.

The same is true of the health of everyone who comes into contact with them. Precisely for this reason, they tend to offer lower prices than legalized establishments.

The sale of exotic animals must be properly documented

Although the trafficking of species is a very serious problem, this does not mean that the acquisition of an exotic pet is always done illegally. E n many countries are allowed to have certain wild animals as pets, but their upbringing and marketing must obey a set of safety standards.

First, the establishment must have the corresponding authorization for the captive breeding of one or more wild species. In addition, the owner must receive an invoice regarding the purchase and the documentation that proves the legal origin of the animal.

It is also recommended to make a visit to the establishment to verify that the species are kept in optimal conditions of well-being and hygiene.

How to report the illegal sale of animals?

In Spain, illegal sellers and farms can be denounced for carrying out undeclared economic activities. To formalize the complaint, just go to one of the Tax Agency headquarters and check the steps to follow.

In the event that the animals are kept in unsanitary conditions or suffer any type of violence or exploitation, it is also possible to file a complaint for animal abuse. In this case, we can appear before the Police, the City Council, the court or the Civil Guard.

In Spain, animal abuse can also be reported by telephone, by contacting Emergencies at 112, in the case of domestic animals. Or directly with SEPRONA at 062, for complaints involving wild animals.