Malaga vets protest new anti-antibiotics laws

‘Animal doctors at the Costa del Sol have warned that there is no time to waste when it comes to animal life.

Veterinarians in Malaga have walked the streets together in a rare demonstration of unity to demand the repeal of controversial new laws that, they say, are putting animal lives at risk and making routine medical care into a bureaucratic nightmare.

At the heart of the uproar is Royal Decree 666/2023, introduced last year to clamp down on antibiotic misuse in farm animals – but critics say it’s hitting the wrong target. Both pet owners and veterinarians are paying the price.

Spain’s anti-antibiotic laws bite

In an effort to combat antibiotic resistance, the decree requires vets to undergo a number of tests before prescribing common antibiotics. Under the new rules, they must first carry out a culture and sensitivity test (antibiogram) – a lab process that can take two to seven days. The cost of the test is the responsibility of the pet owner.

In emergency situations, experts warn that waiting for days to get lab results can cause irreversible harm or even death.

If a vet believes an animal needs emergency treatment – they argue – they must try to give it, whatever the legal risk, they insist. The risk isn’t insignificant. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines. The range of the initial from €90,000 to over €1 million. Although these figures have been scaled down, confusion persists about when and how penalties apply.

Bandages over bureaucracy:

The decree also demands that every prescription be logged in an official database – yet another time-consuming burden Many people are able to use this website Arguments take vets off their real job, caring for animals.

Spanish vets demand common sense from the Government

Malaga’s veterinarians are demanding that there be no excessive red tape in managing the vet medicine supply and a return of professional freedom to prescribe.

They argue that the law may be sensible for livestock, where antibiotic misuse could have wider consequences. When it comes to animals, however, the rules are different. Some people say that a 10-day course of anti-biotics for a canine won’t cause a worldwide health crisis.

Vets united – and they won’t back Downward

The level of anger in this sector and the solidarity amongst its members is unprecedented. Professionals from Malaga and elsewhere have joined the protests, vowing to continue fighting until the government pays attention.

What is their ultimate goal? Their ultimate aim?

When it comes to the lives of the animals that we love, you can’t afford to waste time on bureaucracy.

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