A new law that came into effect on Wednesday recognises pets as “living, sentient beings” for the first time, and not mere objects.
As a result, family courts must consider both the animal’s welfare, as well as the family needs, when deciding who looks after the dog, cat, goldfish, turtle or bird.
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Spain is the latest European country to recognise animals as sentient beings, joining a group that includes France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Portugal.
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