The long-awaited
new legislation
acknowledges
animals as “living beings” and “the object of legal protection”, which “operates through the provisions of this Code and of special legislation.”
Under the new law, whoever attacks or kills an animal is obliged to
compensate its owner or the individuals or entities who rescued it, for any expenses incurred for treatment.
Compensation is payable even if “the expenses are more than the monetary value that can be attributed to the animal.”
The owner of an animal must ensure its welfare and respect the characteristics of each species, the diploma states.
The statute also defines a prison term, of up to three years, or a fine for anyone who steals an animal from others as well as for whoever illegitimately appropriates an animal that has been “handed over with a non-transferrable title of property.”
In the event of a separation, regarding pets, the law states that they must be “entrusted to one or both spouses, considering, in particular, the
interests of each of the spouses and children of the couple and also the welfare of the animal.