Spain decriminalises bestiality

SPAIN – LEGISLATION

Spain’s congress of deputies has approved amendments to the country’s penal code to increase all penalties for offences resulting in the injury or death of any vertebrate animal, as well as for leaving vertebrate animals unattended.

At the same time, sexual relations with animals, which used to be considered a crime in Spain, will now be considered as such only if it causes them physical harm, according to the publication Libertad Digital.

"Good progress on animal welfare but still room for improvement" / Photo by European Parliament / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Zoophilia was included in the Spanish penal code in 2015 and was punishable by three months to a year and a half in prison.

At the time, lawmakers insisted that animals, like children, were incapable of consenting to sexual activity.

Under the new Penal Code reform, the same acts will henceforth be a criminal offence if they injure or kill an animal.

Interestingly, the amendment initiative comes from the Unidas Podemos party, which argues that dogs, cats and other animals should be considered sentient beings or living beings endowed with feelings.

Sources: Libertad Digital / Evening Telegram