La animal protection in Catalonia Animal welfare has become one of the most prominent social issues in everyday life: specific laws, shelters scattered throughout the country, long-established organizations, and new projects that combine animal welfare, social inclusion, and the environment. More and more people are asking what is being done, who is driving it, and how they can help in practical ways.
Throughout the last few years, Catalonia has gone from simple pet ownership to develop a whole network of regulations, municipal services, shelters, and associations dedicated to dogs and cats, as well as ferrets, animals used in experimentation, wildlife, and equines. Pioneering foundations have also emerged in the legal field, achieving historic changes in Spain, such as the recognition of animal abuse as a crime and the prohibition of the killing of healthy animals in Catalan shelters.
Legal framework and areas of action in animal protection in Catalonia
Catalan legislation on animals has been growing, driven by the growing public interest in animal welfareThis interest has resulted in the creation of regional laws, municipal ordinances, and specific regulations that seek to achieve the highest possible levels of protection and welfare for all animals that depend on people.
In this context, the regulations clearly distinguish between several priority areas of actionOn the one hand, there are companion animals (especially dogs, cats and ferrets); on the other hand, there are animals used in experimentation and teaching, which are subject to very strict regulation; and finally, there are the so-called zoological centers, which include centers such as breeding centers, zoological parks, pet shops and other facilities where animals are kept for commercial, recreational or exhibition purposes.
Within this legal framework, the Animal Protection Law of Catalonia At the time, it positioned the autonomous community as a benchmark within the country, prohibiting particularly cruel practices and establishing clear obligations for public administrations and individuals. However, over time, this law has become outdated in some aspects, and one of the key problems has been that the regulations intended to specify many of its practical aspects were never fully implemented.
Despite these limitations, the Catalan law laid the groundwork for such important measures as the prohibition of the slaughter of healthy animals in shelters, the promotion of sterilization and microchip identification, as well as the obligation to guarantee adequate conditions of accommodation, feeding and veterinary care both in shelters and in private facilities.
To learn about the consolidated regulatory text and its modifications in detail, the administrations themselves provide official links to Official Gazette of the Generalitat (DOGC) and the BOEwhere you can download the regulations in PDF format and consult the current provisions that affect animal protection in Catalonia.
Barcelona City Council and Animal Protection Office
In the city of Barcelona, animal protection has had a key body for decades: the Municipal Council for Coexistence, Defense and Protection of Animals, a space for participation that was created in December 1996 to give voice to entities, experts and citizens in municipal decisions related to animals.
This Council brings together the animal protection organizations working in BarcelonaIt is aimed at all political groups represented in the City Council, municipal technical staff, universities, businesses related to animals, and other professionals involved in animal welfare. Its main function is to issue reports, opinions, and proposals, and to act as an intermediary between the parties when it is necessary to balance coexistence between people and animals in the city.
Throughout the year several are celebrated plenary sessions where general topics are debated, and specific working committees are also created to address strategic issues more operationally: management of feline colonies, sterilization campaigns, ordinances, adoptions, etc. In all matters relating to technical and administrative aspects, the Council has the direct support of the Animal Protection Office of the City Council, which is responsible for day-to-day operations and implementing the agreements.
The influence of this advisory body has been felt in very important milestones: the Municipal declaration for coexistence and animal rights approved in October 1998; the Ordinance on the protection, keeping and sale of animals of December 2003; the end of the killing at the Companion Animal Shelter (CAACB) from January 2004; or the opening of the Animal Protection Office itself in 2008, among other advances.
In recent years, the Council has played a very visible role in promoting and monitoring the animal rights proposals included in the Municipal Action Plan (PAM)consolidating itself as a driving force for more animal-friendly public policies in Barcelona and a benchmark for other Catalan municipalities.
Altarriba Foundation: animal protection, shelter and social action
La Altarriba Foundation It is one of the most prominent animal protection organizations in Catalonia. This non-profit organization has been dedicated to animal welfare and nature conservation for over 25 years, with a strong presence in Catalonia, and specifically in the area of... Bisbal d'Empordà (Girona).
Formally established in 1998, the foundation has worked to offer a safe haven for abandoned or mistreated animalsAnd one of their greatest achievements has been creating and consolidating their own shelter in La Bisbal d'Empordà. Having their own facility, and not depending on other centers, allows them to offer more personalized care and a more stable environment for the animals, something not all associations can achieve.
At this shelter, the animals receive veterinary care, proper nutrition, affection, and a socialization process which prepares them for future adoption. The goal is not only for them to be safe, but also to have a real chance of finding a forever family, something only possible thanks to the people who get involved through adoptions, donations, or volunteering.
One of the best-known historical milestones of the Altarriba Foundation was achieving the Animal abuse will now be considered a crime in SpainThis followed a campaign that gathered over 500.000 signatures and was launched after a particularly cruel case of animal abuse at a shelter in Tarragona. This social and legal pressure helped to amend the Penal Code and toughen the consequences for those who mistreat animals.
Another key achievement came in 2000, when the foundation achieved its goal of Zero sacrifice in the reception centers of CataloniaThis put an end to the systematic euthanasia of healthy animals in shelters like the former Mataró dog pound. This transformation demonstrated that it was possible to manage centers without resorting to euthanasia due to lack of space, by focusing on adoption, sterilization, and responsible outreach.
The “Bú Bup Parc” shelter and the legal and educational projects
Within its own facilities, the Altarriba Foundation manages the shelter “Bú Bup Parc” in La Bisbal d'Empordàwhere more than 90 animals that have suffered abandonment, abuse, or dangerous situations live together. This center is expanding to be able to take in even more cases, with special attention to animals from homes affected by [unspecified circumstances]. gender-based violence or violence perpetrated by people without resources and without a home.
In the legal field, the entity has become an active agent in the fight against animal abuseShe files complaints, collaborates with law enforcement agencies in seizures, and takes in many of the animals removed from abusive situations. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in the modification of the Spanish Penal Code to make animal abuse a crime, and in the updating of the Catalan Animal Protection Law, promoting the prohibition of slaughter in shelters.
The foundation also develops projects in environmental and animal rights education, such as the well-known “Project Pepa” (Project Educates, Protects Animals and the Environment). Through this program, children and young people are taught values of respect for animals, nature conservation, and the importance of recycling, understanding that education is the foundation for reducing abandonment and mistreatment in the future.
To involve citizens, Altarriba offers several ways to collaborate: responsible animal adoption The shelter offers the possibility of becoming a member through very affordable contributions (starting at one euro per month) or making one-off donations to improve facilities and fund urgent interventions. Every euro helps pay for veterinary treatments, food, shelter maintenance, and legal and awareness campaigns.
In addition, donations and fees are included tax benefitsSince the Altarriba Foundation is covered by the special tax regime for non-profit entities regulated by Law 49/2002, donations are tax-deductible (in some cases up to 80%), and the foundation issues the necessary certificates so that collaborators can apply these deductions.
Cervelló Espai Natural: animals, people and culture
Another notable project linked to the Altarriba Foundation is the space located in the Masía Can Sala de Dalt, in Cervelló, an 11-hectare estate situated in a privileged natural environment within the l'Ordal Natural Park. There, an innovative concept has been created: a refuge that not only shelters animals, but also promotes social inclusion and art.
This is the environment in which they develop social projects with animal-assisted therapyThese programs include fostering animals belonging to women who are victims of gender-based violence and educational activities for schools and various groups. The goal is for animals to also be agents of social change, helping people in vulnerable situations and facilitating emotional recovery.
In addition to the social aspect, the Cervelló space is committed to culture and art in the heart of natureorganizing exhibitions, creative workshops, and artist residencies. Everything revolves around the same idea: that animal protection, environmental conservation, and artistic expression can coexist and enrich each other.
In parallel, a considerable effort is underway to restoration of the farmhouse and conservation of the surroundingscontributing to the preservation of both the traditional architectural heritage and the ecological values of the l'Ordal Natural Park. Those wishing to get involved have various options for collaboration, visits, and activities designed to connect directly with the project.
To facilitate financial support, the foundation promotes its account number for donations (for example, at CaixaBank) and reminds collaborators that these contributions also enjoy significant tax advantages under the patronage regime, which encourages many more people to join the change.
FAADA and the demand for effective animal protection in the Generalitat
La Foundation for Advice and Action in Defense of Animals (FAADA) It is another leading organization in Catalonia, very active in denouncing institutional shortcomings and pressuring for compliance with animal protection laws. For years, the organization has pointed out the deficient functioning of the Animal Protection Section of the Ministry of Territory.
According to FAADA, this section, which originally had specialized personnel and in sufficient numbers To fulfill its functions, it has gradually lost capacity to the point of being unable to act effectively in numerous serious cases of abuse. The lack of leadership and mismanagement have reportedly led many professionals to request transfers to other departments, leaving the unit practically dismantled.
This situation has had very serious consequences: numerous cases Those convicted of animal abuse have gone unpunished. or without the necessary administrative response, resulting in the suffering and death of animals that could have been avoided. One of the examples that has generated the most outrage is that of Dumba the elephant, whose story of exploitation became a symbol of the Catalan administration's failure to control the situation.
Although Catalonia was a pioneer with one of the first regional laws on animal protection, this The standard has not been updated for years and lacks a fully operational regulation.FAADA has repeatedly demanded clear answers, accountability and corrective measures from various regional ministers and directors general, even providing concrete proposals to reorganize the section and provide it with resources.
In this context, the publication of Decree 242 / 2025The decree of November 4, which restructures the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition and creates a new General Sub-Directorate for the Protection of Animal Rights, represents a significant change on paper. FAADA has acknowledged the effort and commitment of Minister Sílvia Paneque and Secretary Jordi Sargatal in promoting this new area.
FAADA emphasizes, however, that this sub-directorate cannot remain merely a Mere advertising with no real applicationIt is essential that the agency be immediately provided with qualified personnel, material resources, and operational capacity to begin resolving the numerous backlogged cases and to guarantee serious oversight throughout the territory. The organization insists that animal protection cannot depend solely on the enthusiasm of a political figure, but rather on a stable and professional structure.
Therefore, FAADA demands that the creation and implementation of this area be a a real priority for the Ministry and for the Government of the GeneralitatBy reorganizing functions, filling vacant positions, and regaining the leadership that Catalonia once held in animal protection, we can truly speak of an effective defense of animal rights, and not just good intentions.
Network of animal shelters and rescue organizations in Catalonia
Beyond the administrations and large foundations, the real muscle of the animal protection in Catalonia It comprises the dozens of shelters, animal rescue organizations, and rescue centers scattered throughout the region. These entities, many of them managed almost entirely by volunteers, carry out daily work rescuing, caring for, sterilizing, and finding homes for thousands of animals.
In the province of Barcelona, associations such as the following stand out: APAN (Animal Protective Association of Anoia), located in Òdena; STEPS Animal Protection SOS El Vendrell (in the Vendrell area, although linked to Tarragona); APAG Granollers in Caldes de Montbui; ADANA in Alella; ASOA (Animal Second Chance Association) in Badalona; Animals Without a Hat in Barcelona; Berguedana Association for the Protection of Animals in Berga; El Masnou Animal Defense Association (ADAM) in Masnou; or the League for the Protection of Animals and Plants of Barcelona, one of the oldest animal protection organizations in the Catalan capital.
We also find projects in Barcelona and the surrounding area such as El Molí Protective Association in Santa Eugènia de Berga; Montgat Animal Welfare Association (ABAM) in the Tiana area; DANA (Teià Association for the Defense of Animals and Nature) in Teià; Defense and Socors dels Animals (DESA) in Rubí; the Friendship Refuge in Vallirana; Animal Kingdom Homeless Animal Association in Barcelona; SOS Greyhounds in Esplugues de Llobregat, specializing in rescued greyhounds; Animal Voice in Santa Coloma de Gramenet; and many more local entities that work quietly but constantly.
In Girona, the network of shelters includes, among others, APA Rodamón in Palafrugell (Llofriu neighborhood); BU BUP PARC (the Bisbal refuge, managed by the Altarriba Foundation) in La Bisbal d'Empordà; Protective Association of Animals and Plants of Tossa de Mar (CAAS); The Pla de l'Estany Animal Protection and Defense Association in Banyoles; the Ripollès Animal Shelter in Ripoll; Protectors of the Animals of Gironès in Santa Coloma de Farners; or Terra Viva – Garrotxa Animal Protective Association In Olot, they are all dedicated to welcoming and giving up for adoption abandoned animals from their regions.
In the province of Tarragona there are centers like the Alberg d'Animals de les Terres de l'Ebre in Camarles; Friends of Defense and Wellbeing of Gossos i Gats in El Vendrell; the Protective Association of Animals and Plants of Tarragona in the Riu Clar industrial park; Protectora Animals i Natura Reus in Reus; Protectora Arca Tortosa in Aldover; Baix Camp Shelter – Animal Adoption Center in Reus; SPAC – Torredembarra Animal Protection Agency; PROGAT Cambrils; or PROGAT Tortosa, focused primarily on the ethical management of feline colonies and the rescue of dogs and cats.
In Lleida we find entities dedicated both to pets and to diverse faunaas the Friends of the Animals of La Noguera in Foradada; Friends of the Animals of Segrià / Association of Friends of Segrià in Lleida (Partida La Caparrella); the Animal Protector Lidia Argilés in the Sant Just game; the Tàrrega Animal Protective Societythe protector Friends of the Animals of Segrià; or the Vallcalent Wildlife Centre in Lleida, specializing in wildlife and managed by the regional government.
Alongside these, there are regional and intermunicipal centers that function as official reception centersand CAACB (Centre d'Acolliment d'Animals de Companyia de Barcelona) on the Arrabassada road; he CAACD of Terrassa; the CAAD Maresme-Argentona; the CAAD Penedès for Alt Penedès and Garraf; he CCAAC Barcelonès in Badalona; the Center d'Acollida d'Animals Domèstics del Moianèsor the center Can Moret in the l'Ametlla area, among others. Many of them serve as official entry points for animals collected by the local police or municipal collection services.
There are also specialized entities, such as APAExóticos in Anglesola (Lleida), focused on exotic animals; the Association in Defense of Equines (ADE) in Fonollosa (Barcelona), focused on rescued horses and other equines; PADE – Shelter for domestic and exotic animals; or CANOPOLIS – Trifolium FoundationA project that combines shelter and environmental awareness. Alongside them, animal welfare organizations like Vallès Natura in Mollet del Vallès, the Animal Protection of Osona in Gurb, the Protector of Caldes de Montbui or Cal Pilé Refuge (SPAM Mataró) In Mataró they complete a very extensive network that covers practically all of Catalonia.
Adoptions, animals in need of homes, and citizen collaboration
One of the pillars of animal protection in Catalonia is to promote responsible adoptionsMany shelters and rescue centers highlight the animals most in need of a family: seniors, those with special needs, or those who have been in the shelter for too long. Through their websites and social media, they showcase specific dogs and cats looking for homes with clear and heartfelt messages.
Among the animals that have been presented as specific adoption cases In various shelters and campaigns, you'll find names like Munch, Copy, Kahlo, Quessy, Lukas, Tao, Marvin, Rocky, Chika, Jack, Bongo, Estrella, Aroa, and Gludock. Behind each of these names are stories of abandonment or abuse, but also of resilience and second chances when the right family comes along.
Animal shelters insist on evaluating each adoption individually: reviewing the adopter's background, explaining the animal's temperament, providing guidance on specific needs, and offering support during the adaptation period. Personalized attention is key to avoiding returns and ensure that the bond between the family and the animal is stable and lasting.
In addition to adopting, citizens can get involved by becoming member of a shelterby offering regular financial contributions, making one-off donations, sponsoring specific animals, spreading awareness of cases on social media, or participating as a volunteer in cleaning, walking, socialization, transport to veterinarians, or temporary fostering.
In addition to all this, there are innovative initiatives such as the volunteer veterinarian programs Driven by entities like Altarriba, which allow the care of animals belonging to people with very limited economic resources, guaranteeing vaccines, sterilizations and basic treatments to prevent suffering and further abandonment.
The combination of stricter laws, public pressure, euthanasia-free shelters, legal action against abuse, values education, and a huge network of animal welfare organizations means that Animal protection in Catalonia is at a time of profound changeThere is still much room for improvement, especially in the effective deployment of the regional administration and in updating the regulations, but the continued work of so many entities and people demonstrates that, when society organizes itself, the lives of thousands of animals can change radically for the better.
