Los Silos Implements Stricter Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare Regulations
Los Silos has implemented a new animal welfare ordinance that introduces stricter pet ownership responsibilities, public hygiene requirements, and fines of up to 15,000 euros for serious cases of animal abuse.
New pet ownership rules took effect in Los Silos on August 21. Published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the updated Municipal Ordinance on Animal Welfare introduces stricter responsibilities for pet owners and a clear system of fines to improve public hygiene and animal care.
A key focus of the new rules is cleanliness in public spaces. Owners must now use biodegradable liquids to neutralize pet urine on streets and sidewalks, in addition to the existing requirement to clean up excrement. Failing to follow these cleaning rules, or feeding stray cat colonies without a municipal permit, will be treated as minor offenses with fines between 60 and 200 euros.
The City Council has also set new standards for animal living conditions. It is now strictly forbidden to keep dogs or cats permanently on terraces, patios, rooftops, or in vehicles; they must be kept inside the home overnight. Abandonment, lack of proper identification, unlicensed breeding, and the use of physical punishment—such as shock or prong collars—are classified as serious offenses. These carry penalties of up to 1,500 euros. In severe cases involving animal abuse that leads to permanent injury or death, fines can reach 15,000 euros, and owners may be banned from keeping animals for up to 10 years.
Regarding public access, pets are generally welcome in hospitality venues, provided they do not interfere with food service and the business has not posted signs prohibiting them. However, pets are strictly banned from children’s playgrounds. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, with stricter requirements for those classified as potentially dangerous, which must wear a muzzle and be kept on a short leash.
Finally, the City Council is taking direct control of community cat populations by creating a registry for authorized caregivers. This move aims to manage the population ethically while improving sanitary conditions. By finalizing these regulations, Los Silos has aligned its local laws with modern animal protection standards, giving the municipality the authority to enforce these new civic responsibilities.