It was reported that Spain made a big move in 2022 that pet lovers everywhere can appreciate. The country officially changed its laws so animals are no longer treated like objects, and this shift is already changing how courts handle everything from divorces to debt disputes. It sounds simple, but the impact is huge. They are now legally viewed as sentient beings with needs, feelings, and a place in the family.

According to the report, this wasn’t a quick decision. Animal groups had been pushing for years to update the Spanish Civil Code, which had treated animals the same as televisions or couches. Even though other laws in Spain and across Europe already recognized animals as sentient, the Civil Code lagged behind. When Congress finally approved the reform in December 2021 and it took effect in early 2022, it brought the country’s legal system more in line with how people actually treat their animals.

Once the reform was published in the Official State Gazette, it became fully active. It is no secret that. Spain has high pet ownership and around 30,000 married couples with pets get divorced each year. Now judges have to look at what’s best for the animal.

Pets in divorce court

Under the new rules, pets are treated with the same seriousness as other family members when couples go their separate ways. Judges must look at the living situation, financial stability, daily routine, and even the presence of kids. Since kids often have a strong bond with pets, courts may lean toward the partner who has primary custody of the children.

This idea played out even before the law took effect. A judge in Madrid granted joint custody of a dog to an unmarried couple that had broken up. The dog now spends a month with each person, and both are legally responsible for care. Cases like this used to be unusual. Now they’re expected.

It was also reported that the law also prevents couples from selling the animal during a divorce unless both partners agree. Joint custody can be denied when there’s evidence of domestic violence, animal abuse or threats against the pet.

A shift in animal care

Lawyers who work in animal rights call the reform a major step, and many Spaniards agree. Some believe it will help reduce the number of abandoned animals, which is around 200,000 a year. With pets now recognized as family instead of property, people may think twice before giving them up.

Spain still has disagreements around issues like bullfighting, but this change shows that attitudes toward animals are shifting. Pets have always felt like part of the family. Now the law finally says the same thing.

Enter Bantay and Mingming

We asked some people here in Manila what they think about the Spanish law… and here is what they say.

Paper law?

Ok on paper but I just came from Barcelona and I got to talk with an animal welfare group in Spain- there is still a lot of uncared for cats and dogs and a lot of abandoned ones in the outskirts of the city.

So I guess good on paper ito, but in real life practice, it all boils down to how law will be enforced.