Andorra Prepares Tougher Animal Welfare Law with Pet Liability Rules

Andorra's government is preparing a new animal protection and welfare law that significantly expands regulations on pet sales and introduces liability for damages caused by domestic animals.

The legislation, which will replace the current law on animal ownership and protection, goes "much further" in addressing pet sales, covering aspects previously unregulated, Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal said. While the initial focus was on banning the production, import and sale of punishment tools for companion animals, the ministry identified additional gaps, including rules on animal shows and advertising.

The law also applies to non-companion domestic animals managed by the administration, such as police dogs, rescue dogs and those used in game management. Commercial breeding and sales were already covered under the existing rules, but the new text provides a "new approach" to accommodate various situations in the country.

A key provision holds the legal guardian of a companion animal responsible for damages to livestock or wild fauna, including aggravated cases involving protected species. Casal highlighted a recent incident in Segudet where a dog attacked a sheep flock, killing one animal. "The legal guardian of the companion animal must respond to the damaged party," he said, emphasising the goal of coexistence between the primary sector and pet owners.

The draft has been shared with local councils, animal welfare associations, environmental protectors, the Hunting and Fishing Federation president Josep Maria Cabanes, and the Andorran Fish and Livestock Association. The ministry awaits feedback from these groups before submitting it to parliament in the coming weeks.

Casal noted the text is already guaranteed in the version under consultation.