Animals
When animals are to be included in shootings, it must be remembered that current legislation does not allow them to be used for public spectacles or other activities in which they are used as objects of ridicule, where their physical integrity is at risk or if spectators’ sensitivities may be offended.
Spain has companies with long-standing experience in providing animals for all types of film and television shootings that comply fully with the legal requirements regulating their activities and that have passed all the corresponding administrative and veterinary inspections, etc., by the corresponding organisations and in accordance with the legislation in force.
If the animals are from outside Spain, they must have the corresponding import authorisation. When the animals come from outside the European Union, these authorisations are issued by the autonomous communities and they must also undergo a veterinary inspection.
There is a Council of Europe European agreement (articles 62 and 63) on the protection of pets, which provides a legal framework for the 48 Council of Europe member states, including the 28 EU member states. This agreement sets out the basic principles for guaranteeing the protection of pets and regulates the use of these animals in advertising and spectacles.
In 2023, the restructuring of the ministries in Spain led to changes in the competences related to managing filming with animals. Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and 2030 Agenda is currently responsible for the protection, rights and welfare of animals, pursuant to the new Animal Welfare Law.
The Spanish Government offers information regarding the protection of animals during their transportation and the protection of animals at this link.
