Dog and cat owners in Los Silos now have a new set of rules to follow, and some of the fines are not exactly pocket change.
The town hall has officially approved its new Animal Welfare Ordinance, which came into force following its publication in the Official Provincial Gazette of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 21st August.
The rules cover everything from cleaning up after your dog to keeping animals on balconies, feeding stray cats and how dogs should be controlled in public.
And yes, failing to clean up your dog’s wee can now land you with a fine.
You Must Clean Up Dog Urine
One of the rules likely to get the most attention is the requirement for owners to clean dog urine from public spaces using biodegradable liquid.
Owners must also immediately pick up and remove dog mess and, where possible, clean the affected area.
Failing to dilute urine with biodegradable liquid is classified as a minor offence.
Minor offences can result in fines of between €60 and €200.
No More Leaving Pets on Balconies
The new rules also crack down on where animals can be kept at home.
Dogs and cats cannot be permanently kept on terraces, balconies, rooftops, patios, storage rooms, basements or similar spaces. They must also spend the night inside the home.
Keeping an animal permanently tied up is also prohibited.
These types of offences can be considered serious, with fines ranging from €201 to €1,500.
For dogs that are temporarily tied up, the restraint must be at least six times the total length of the animal.
Rules for Walking Dogs
Dogs must be accompanied by their owner or another responsible person when out in public and must be kept under control using an appropriate lead or chain.
Potentially dangerous dogs must also wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead of less than two metres.
Pets are not allowed in clearly marked children’s playgrounds or play areas, apart from assistance dogs.
The council can also restrict access to other areas for reasons relating to safety, public health or child protection.
What About Bars and Restaurants?
Pets may be allowed into bars, restaurants, hotels and other establishments, provided they are not entering areas where food is prepared, stored or handled.
Businesses can still refuse entry to animals, but they must make this clear with a sign displayed outside.
Feeding Stray Cats Without Permission Can Lead to a Fine
The rules also cover the management of community cat colonies.
Los Silos Town Hall will be responsible for managing these colonies, while anyone wishing to act as a registered carer must first obtain permission from the council.
Feeding a cat colony without authorisation is considered a minor offence.
Fines of Up to €15,000
The penalties depend on the seriousness of the offence:
- Minor offences: €60 to €200
- Serious offences: €201 to €1,500
- Very serious offences: €1,501 to €15,000
Serious offences include abandoning animals, failing to meet identification and registration requirements, keeping animals in unsuitable hygienic conditions, unauthorised breeding and using aggressive training methods.
The most serious offences include animal abuse resulting in permanent injury or death, as well as using animals in fights or activities involving cruelty or suffering.
In the most serious cases, owners could also lose custody of their animals or be banned from keeping animals for up to ten years.
So, if you live in Los Silos and have a dog or cat, it might be worth having a proper look at the new rules.
Because apparently, taking the dog for a quick walk now comes with an extra item for the shopping list… biodegradable cleaning liquid.