Participate in the public consultation to protect hunting dogs and animal sanctuaries

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has opened a public consultation on a new Royal Decree that would regulate so-called "traditional zoological facilities". While it may sound technical, this draft regulation could have serious consequences for thousands of animals in Spain.

The draft proposal relies on an ambiguous and dangerous concept: it defines these facilities “by exclusion” (animals not covered by other regulations), without clear criteria. This opens the door to:

Including hunting dogs under livestock regulations, stripping them of the protection they deserve as companion animals
Affecting non-profit animal sanctuaries and rescue centers, subjecting them to rules designed for livestock operations
Creating legal uncertainty, allowing discretionary interpretations depending on each autonomous region

Take Part in the Public Consultation

The public consultation is open from January 28 to February 11, 2026 (inclusive). It is essential that the Ministry listens to citizens who care about animals. We have prepared a template letter that you can personalize and submit. You only need to complete your personal details:

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I, Mr./Ms. [FULLNAME], holder of National ID number [DNI], acting in my own name and right, hereby address this Ministry in relation to the prior public consultation on the draft Royal Decree concerning traditional zoological facilities, in order to express my concern regarding its scope and potential consequences.

With regard to the prior public consultation on the Royal Decree establishing basic rules on animal health, authorization, and registration of traditional zoological facilities, I wish to express my full support for the submissions made by Fundación AnimaNaturalis Internacional (CIF G67350462), and in particular to highlight the following points:

1. On the imprecision of the concept of “traditional zoological facilities”

I consider that the proposed definition, which is fundamentally based on the exclusion of other regulatory categories, generates legal uncertainty and allows for excessively broad interpretations that may affect animals and establishments that should not fall under livestock health regulations.

It is essential that the future Royal Decree establishes positive, clear, and restrictive criteria to delimit its scope of application.

2. Explicit exclusion of hunting dogs and other non-productive dogs

I expressly request that the Royal Decree clearly and unequivocally exclude:

- Hunting dogs
- Dogs used for recreational, sporting, or traditional activities
- All dogs kept outside a context of animal production

Grounds: Hunting dogs are NOT production animals. They are not part of livestock operations, they are not intended for food production, nor do they generate products that are part of the food chain. Therefore, they should not be regulated under livestock health legislation, but rather within the legal framework for the protection of companion animals.

Including them in this Royal Decree would constitute an unacceptable step backwards in animal protection.

3. Exclusion or specific legal regime for sanctuaries and rescue centers

Non-profit animal sanctuaries and rescue centers fulfill an essential social and animal protection role. They have no commercial or productive purpose and do not operate under a logic of exploitation.

I request that these spaces be explicitly excluded from the scope of application of the Royal Decree, or alternatively, that a specific regulatory regime be established for them, adapted to their nature and purpose, and coordinated with animal protection legislation.

4. Conclusion

The concept of “traditional zoological facilities” must not become a residual category that absorbs heterogeneous realities without proper justification. It is essential to:

- Explicitly exclude hunting dogs and other dogs used for non-productive purposes
- Recognize that they are NOT production animals
- Ensure that sanctuaries and rescue centers are not unduly affected
- Establish clear and restrictive criteria for application

For all of the above reasons, I REQUEST that these comments be taken into consideration in the drafting of the future Royal Decree.

[CITY],  5 de febrero de 2026.

Signed: [FULLNAME]

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Why hunting dogs must NOT be included in this Royal Decree

Hunting dogs are NOT production animals. They are not part of livestock operations, they are not used for food production, they do not generate products for the food chain, nor are they companion animals used for recreational activities. Including them in livestock health regulations would represent a historic step backwards in animal protection and would allow them to be kept in unacceptable conditions.

What about sanctuaries?

Animal sanctuaries and rescue centers fulfill a fundamental social and ethical role. They rescue animals from abuse and abandonment, have no commercial or productive purpose, and work solely for animal welfare. Subjecting them to livestock regulations is disproportionate and inappropriate.

What is a prior public consultation?

According to Spain’s Government Act 50/1997, before drafting a regulation, public authorities must consult citizens on the purpose of the regulation, the need and appropriateness of its adoption, its objectives, and possible alternative solutions.

Why is it important to participate? This is a prior public consultation—the first step in the drafting of the regulation. It is the moment when citizens can influence the process BEFORE the final text is written. If we do not participate, decisions will be made without hearing our voices.

Is it legal to use a template letter? Yes, absolutely. Civil society organizations often provide templates to facilitate participation. What matters is that you include your real personal details and, if you wish, add your own arguments to personalize your submission.

What happens after I submit my comments? MAPA must review all submissions received at this preliminary stage and take them into account when drafting the Royal Decree. There will later be a formal public information phase during which objections to the specific text can be submitted.

How much time do I have? The prior public consultation is open from January 28 to February 11, 2026 (both inclusive). That’s just 15 days. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Do I need to be a legal expert to participate? No. Any citizen can and should take part. Your personal experience, your concern for animals, and your opinion as a member of society are valid and valuable.