#AnimalsAreNotThings is the cause that the Affinity Foundation has been defending for years along with other organisations and individuals. The aim? For animals to stop being considered “things” by the Spanish Civil Code, and to be considered living beings with feelings.
Today, the law recognises the capacity of animals to feel and the amendment to the Civil Code guarantees their rights and supports their welfare.
Up to now, animals were considered to be livestock, mere property, and were unprotected in situations of abandonment, seizures, separations, traffic accidents...
After five years of struggle, on 2 December 2021, the Spanish Parliament passed a bill to amend the Civil Code, the Mortgage Law and the Civil Procedure Law, meaning that animals are no longer considered property and are now considered sentient beings.
The Foundation will continue to work for animal welfare, promoting and supporting proposals to improve and defend the rights of dogs and cats.