The goat of the Legion and the mule and the ox of the living Bethlehem are freed from the Animal Welfare Law and will be able to act

   MADRID, 16 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The goat of the Spanish Legion may continue to participate in military parades, such as the one on Hispanic Day on October 12, and the mule and ox of the Living Nativity Scenes may participate in the Christmas representation, as they are excluded from the application of the Law for the Protection of the Rights and Well-being of animals that has been approved this Thursday in the Congress of Deputies.

These are specific copies that are governed by their own regulations for production animals, as sources from the Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 have specified to Europa Press.

Specifically, production animals are excluded from the scope of application as defined by the 2007 Law for the care of animals, in their exploitation, transport, experimentation and sacrifice, throughout their life cycle, except in the event that losing its end

productive, the owner decides to register it as a pet in the Registry provided for in this law.

In addition, the approved Animal Welfare Law seeks, according to these ministerial sources, to guarantee the good condition of animals in all situations, but in particular it affects domestic animals and pets, while the Legion's goat or ram and the mule or the ox from the Bethlehem portal are meat or dairy production animals.

On the other hand, the legion goat could continue to participate in the October 12 parade, since the new law excludes animals used in professional activities, which were initially included, but as a result of a PSOE amendment to the rule , supported by PP, VOX, PNV, CS and the Canary Islands Coalition, these, like hunting dogs, rehalas, shepherd dogs and livestock guard dogs, those used in specific activities such as sports federations, poultry falconry, as well as those used in professional activities, such as rescue dogs, companion animals in assisted interventions or animals of the Security Forces and Armed Forces.

The law defines animals used in professional activities as those companion animals that are dedicated to a specific activity or task carried out jointly with their manager in a professional or work environment such as rescue dogs, companion animals used in assisted interventions or animals of the Security Forces and Corps or the Armed Forces.

However, the norm definitively approved this Thursday establishes in its article 58, that the use of animals in nativity scenes exhibitions, in horseback riding or in processions that keep the animal in a way "incompatible" with its well-being is prohibited, given the characteristics of their species or if they are immobilized for the duration of the event.

In addition, the new Law points out that their participation may not exceed the duration estimated in each case and that those used in pilgrimages and holiday events must present an optimal hygienic-sanitary state and have guaranteed levels during the course of the activity. optimal well-being according to the needs of each species and the environmental conditions of that moment.

It should also be ensured that they are in good physical condition, monitor their behavioral indicators and attend to signs that may give evidence that they need to rest, especially in the months of high temperatures.

In the case of horses that participate in pilgrimages, such as that of the Virgen del Rocío (Huelva), they must have stopping points where they can rest and drink, and also on days when an excess of heat, their participation will be prohibited.

All these circumstances that could affect the equines that participate in pilgrimages, fairs and processions will be regulated by specific regulations that will establish the hours, places and means of resting for companion animals according to the activity, the species and the environmental conditions. , while the temperature ranges will be established based on which they may or may not take part in these activities.

However, according to the explanatory statement, the main objective of this Law is not so much to guarantee the welfare of animals, evaluating the conditions offered to them, but rather to regulate the recognition and protection of the dignity of animals by the society.