14 Animal Laws That Should Be Adopted in Every Country Right Away

More and more brands refuse to use natural fur and animal skin every year, while people around the world continue to take care of animals and fight at the legislative level to give them the necessary rights and privileges. But although animal welfare has clearly taken a new step, there are still many problems that have yet to be resolved.

Bright Side compiled a list of cities and countries where care for animals is set at the legislative level.

1. There are nursing homes for elephants in Thailand.

In 2016, the first Phuket Elephant Sanctuary — a so-called nursing home for elephants was opened in Phuket. In the sanctuary, the elephants are fed with fruits, they are taken care of, and they are allowed to walk freely in nature and splash around in pools.

2. Those who kill cows can be sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment in India.



The Hindus consider cows holy animals and abusing them is considered a crime. For example, cow slaughter is punished by lifelong imprisonment in the Indian state of Gujarat, and is punishable by 14 years in prison in other Indian states.

3. The breeding of pugs has been banned in Holland.

The new law was adopted due to the fact that dogs, whose muzzle length is 1/3 of the length of their entire skull, often suffer from shortness of breath and other breathing problems.

Apart from pugs, other brachycephalic breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese have been banned from breeding too.

4. Switzerland controls the cage sizes for rabbits.

The Swiss Federal Act on Animal Protection has strict rules for those who keep rabbits as pets. For example, this document says that the animals’ daily diet should contain hay and straw. There are also strict rules regarding the size of their cages: a rabbit must be able to sit straight and stretch in full length; there should be a shaded area to hide in; enclosures for pregnant rabbits should be provided with compartments in which they can build a nest.

5. It’s forbidden for a cat to leave home if it doesn’t have a collar with 3 bells on it in New Zealand.



A small settlement called Longburn, located in New Zealand, has a law stating that cats may leave their homes only if they are wearing a collar with 3 bells. Presumably, the rule exists to prevent accidents on the roads and to warn birds about the appearance of a predator.

6. Rome has forbidden aquariums for goldfish.



The capital of Italy has introduced a rule prohibiting keeping goldfish in spherical aquariums. According to animal rights defenders, fish don’t receive the necessary amount of oxygen in these aquariums. They might even cause them to develop blindness.

7. In Austria, it is forbidden to keep chickens in small cages.

In 2004, Austria adopted one of the strictest laws concerning animal protection. It prohibits people from keeping chickens in small cages, as well as tying cattle up with ropes. There are also laws forbidding people from keeping cats and dogs in the glass windows of pet shops, and using chains and fences that give an electric shock. Violation of these rules is punishable by a fine between $2,000 to $15,000.

8. It is forbidden to leave a dog in a car in the sun in France.



In hot weather, cars heat up quickly and animals left inside the cabin can be in danger of overheating. That’s why France considers this deed animal abuse. Owners who lock their pets inside of their cars will be fined €750.

Moreover, if a passerby decides to break the window of the vehicle in order to save the animal, they won’t be responsible for the damage they’ve caused.

9. It’s forbidden to sterilize cats in Norway.

Sterilization of cats is considered inhumane. You can neuter a male cat, but you can’t spay a female cat in Norway.

Moreover, the local animal welfare supervision prohibits holding a cat by the scruff of its neck and controls the care when it comes to the condition of the animal’s fur.

10. It’s forbidden to use doves in circuses in Bolivia.



Bolivia has forbidden circuses that use wild and domestic animals in their work. Even trained dogs and doves are not allowed to take part in their performances. People are fined for violations and animals are confiscated.

11. The city police posts information about homeless animals on their social media in the Czech Republic.

If Czech policemen find a stray animal on the street, they always make an announcement about it on their official social network pages. They also indicate the name of the shelter where they take a certain dog or cat in order to keep the public aware of where they took the animal.

12. All animals are to get appropriate medical care in Sweden.



According to the law adopted in 1988, animals must undergo medical examinations and receive the necessary vaccinations in order to avoid all sorts of diseases and ailments. Moreover, they have a right to personal space that is inclusive on the animal’s size, communication, and a healthy diet.

13. The UK wants to ban the breeding of lop-eared cats.

The British Veterinary Association called for a ban on breeding Scottish lop-eared cats. The fact is that the unusual shape of the ears in this breed is a consequence of a gene mutation that leads to many diseases, like arthritis, and problems with the spine, joints, and ears.

14. There is a law in Poland that bans keeping a dog on a leash for more than 12 hours in a row.



Polish people also have a law protecting animal rights. According to this legislation, it’s forbidden to keep a dog leashed for more than 12 hours in a row because it can harm the animal’s health. Moreover, keeping the pet on the leash violates the pet’s natural need for activity.

If you could add a new rule to the law for protecting animals, what would it be?

Preview photo credit musyaxon_cat / instagram

SOURCE: BRIGHTSIDE