The City Council of Girona has initiated the drafting of a new municipal ordinance on animal welfare and responsible coexistence, with the aim of adapting to the current needs of the city and the current legal framework.
Update of the regulations after fifteen years
The current ordinance on the protection, control, and ownership of animals has been in force since July 29, 2009. During this time, the number and typology of domestic and wild animals in Girona's homes has experienced a notable growth. The council considers it necessary to update the regulations to respond to this reality and to the new challenges posed by coexistence in the municipality.
The proposal for the new ordinance is expected for this spring. From that moment, the administrative procedures for its approval will begin, with the intention that the norm enters into force in 2026. The text will take into account the current ordinance, the modification proposal initially approved in 2020, and the allegations received during the process.
Adaptation to the legal framework and local challenges
Law 7/2023, of March 28, on the protection of animal rights and welfare, has meant a change in the state and autonomous regulatory framework. Girona thus seeks to adapt its municipal regulation to this new law and to local particularities.
"The new text must respond to three city challenges: shared coexistence and community well-being, the commitment to responsible ownership, and the ethical management of biodiversity. We want it to be a benchmark ordinance that actively defends and protects animal rights" - Gemma Martínez Villagrasa, councilor for Ciutat que Cuida and Serveis Ambientals i Benestar Animal
The company Viafauna, S.L. has been awarded the contract for the drafting of the text, for an amount of 13,854.50 euros (VAT included). The team in charge is made up of veterinarians and jurists specialized in the field.
Next steps and expected calendar
In February, Viafauna, S.L. held a meeting with the councilor and the technical services of Animal Welfare to present the initial diagnosis foreseen in the contract. In the coming weeks, the company will present the proposed articulated text which, after its internal review, will be submitted to the public exhibition process.
The City Council of Girona foresees that the new ordinance will be ready for its definitive approval in 2026, after completing the consultation and citizen participation procedures.