Of the eight cities with metro, only Barcelona, Granada, Madrid and Palma have more flexible regulations. “Bilbao has been left very much with the rest of the European cities,” says one affected.
While a company that travels in public transport is a fact that less and less surprise, not all cities have such flexible regulations that make access to animals possible.
Of the eight Spanish cities that Metro have, only Barcelona, Granada, Madrid and Palma They allow it to come in with the bound dog and with the traveler next to the traveler.
To the meter of Bilbao You can only enter or transport small dogs in arms with a weight of less than 8 kilos. Malaga and Valencia They only admit small in transport, and Seville It prohibits traveling with animals immediately.
Successful: Madrid, Barcelona, Palma or Granada
The access of dogs in public transport has been a gradual evolution in recent decades. For years, dogs were considered “discomfort” in public transport, so that entirely access in all cities was prohibited, Except for help or guidance dogs. «The perception of them has changed because now They look more like family members«, Explains a representative of the National Animal Association with Law and Freedom (Anadel).
The turning point was since 2014, then Barcelona took the first stepAs a result of which dogs can travel in their facilities under certain circumstances, such as the use of Bozal and the fulfillment of specific schemes. “Just like Madrid, they are true cities Animalistic movement made the pressure to be possibleBecause it was given and normalized at European level, ”says Alfredo Colomera, of the animalist Association Libera. Colomera remembers the first journey he made while the measure was just approved.” The funny thing is that people took it normal and even sympathy. Citizenship always leads to political decisions«.
Madrid was the next one to participate to the movement 2016 And last year, Granada and Palma did that, who implement more inclusive policy. In general, the regulations focus on aspects such as the size of the animal, the access schedules and the need for at all times controlled (with belt, snout and in some cases within transport).
In the case of the capital, it does not specify any weight limitations and the requirements are that “they are bound and controlled by the owner”, with a buzal and identified with a chip. In addition, They cannot travel on working days from 7:00 AM to 9:30 am, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 20.00 H. In BarcelonaThe regulations are the same, but with two time limitations: from 7 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
He Palm meter With this, dogs in the last car with belt and buzal or in transport, although, though Females are forbidden in heat and dangerous varieties.
In the case of Granadaallows dogs with mouth and short belt, with time limitations, and They cannot use mechanical stairs or occupy a chair.
The fight of ‘users’ to gain total access in Bilbao
The case of Bilbao was announced a few months ago, because he refused to change the regulations. After several failed attempts about dialogue, David FernándezA affected neighbor, decided to mobilize a campaign and launched a campaign on Change.org. «Bilbao has been left very much with the rest of the European cities that yes They admit dogs with a belt, “explains Fernández, he is forced to use the car every time he wants to visit his parents with Amber.” It’s a condition, Not just for the economicBut also because of the impact the car has when We should promote public transport«.
Thanks to the support of more than 14,000 signatures, under various initiatives, They have succeeded in meeting those who are responsible for the Bilbao Metromanaged by the Vizcaya Transport Consortium. «They told us that they would analyze and respond in a short time ». David wonders the arguments offered: “They say there are agglomerations or that the metro is the owner but does not hold.” He quotes the case of Madrid, where dogs can travel per metro for a decade. «Madrid has many more travelers, in the order of six, seven times more than Bilbao per day. And the capital, strange, when the legislation changed, did a study to see the influence and saw that there was none. “
In Bilbao, the dog population surpasses children, With more than 40,000 dogs. So both for David and Isabel, the situation in one “SinnSido”which even goes against the model pet -friendly Who wants to promote the city. “It forces us to infect more by being only accompanied by our dog,” says Isabel, who emphasizes that his life would be easier if they change the regulations.
Valencia: ‘Wanting is Power’
Limited on your travels and in your daily day you feel too Yolanda López. The passage of the Dana in Valencia left nearly 120,000 affected vehicles, one of them was yours. Before the floods, Yolanda spent at least two weekends a month with her mother and with Ares. “Now because of the limitations, I don’t do it that often, because I depend on it, I can gather.” To first go to his mother’s house, he has to go to the metro of Paiporta, where he lives, to Valencia and from there to chair, near – which gives access to dogs of all sizes.
The Metrovalencia, managed by the railways of the Generalitat Valenciana (FGV), only admits small dogs in transport. «I also took it with routes, to walk, to the river, to the beach … Now that it is bigger [Ares]I want you to enjoy everything“, He points out. Before the floods, both went to Valencia to enjoy the city, walk and take something on a terrace. «Now it is impossible, and with the gloomy image that stayed out of the city [Paiporta]I’m sorry to walk here ».
“It has limited us all”says this Valencian, who also emphasizes how it was impossible to leave during recent failures. «Ares is afraid of bangers and I suffer from phonophobia – fear of strong and normally sudden sounds. I didn’t want to spend the whole month at home and I had no choice but to do it, “he says. A few months ago, Yolanda launched a characteristic collection. «First he was welcomedThanks to the Pipper on Tour project, But time has passed and it costs a little more motivating people.
Yolanda says that many areas have still been hit by the Dana and in Paiporta continues the works of the metro, which hopes to open the entire line in the early summer. «I imagine that wanting to travel with dog is not a priority, although I don’t lose hope To keep adding support and that is a reality, “he adds.
Sevilla, a ‘unique’ business
Seville is the Only city in Spain Where Forbidden to travel with dogs in the metro, And the Andalusian capital maintains its refusal. The regulation of the regulation of the Seville -Metrolervice only makes the mention possible to guide or help dogs. «The social acceptance of a fact has its ups and downs and after an approval period of what a new measure was, there is now one Limiting phase. At least politics Bilbao and Sevilla are speaking, “says Alfredo Colomera.
“Family life makes me complicates”. Anjana Martínez He lives in Mairena del Aljarafe, who forces her to use private transport or leave her dog Bruno at home every time he wants to travel to the center. In 2023, this Valencian launched a characteristic collection to allow dog access to the metro, inspired by his experience in Barcelona. “I had just moved, where I enjoyed the benefits of being able to move with my dog.” The campaign received nearly 400 signatures, but Not the institutional response I expectedNeither the impact of the local media.
In 2020, the city council approved a regulation What allow Access to the owners of pets «Worked spaces». But four years have passed and the change in the regulation has not yet been given. “It is limited to suggestions or advising, but does not imply any obligation”, “, Recognize Anjana. Remember that it should have been mandatory with stimuli for compliance.
Anjana believes that “Admitting animals in public transport has benefits for families with dogs, because it improves their mobility”. It also emphasizes that with measures such as limiting access on peak times or in certain wagons, coexistence with other users would not be changed and the use of the metro would be “It would contribute to relieving cities and reducing pollution”.
In a more flexible situation, the other two cities are, Malaga and Granadawho have their own meter. In both the Junta de Andalucía determines fairly comparable measures, although with a series of requirements. The weight of animals It cannot be longer than 10 kilograms and must go in a carrier or container.
Vague application of the animal welfare law
The problem lies in the Vague application of the animal welfare lawEspecially with regard to the access of pets to public transport. In its Article 29 it says: “Public and private transport will facilitate the accession of pets that are not a risk for people, other animals and things, without compromising on the provisions of public health regulations, in the specific municipal regulations or regulations.” This formulation “leaves the Decision in the hands of municipalities and transport companies »As the Anadel representative states.
This approach can lead to unwanted consequences, as Alberto Colomera warns, which suggests that the increase in limitations can lead to one Leave more of animalsEspecially during the holidays. “Many can The feeling that it was a mistake to hire because you are drastically limited their plans or their lives. You force them to choose many times », which generates an ethical and social dilemma. Both point out that “there is no justification” for the absolute forbidden of dogs of more than 8 kg, especially “If responsible property is exercised.”
“Social progress is slow, it is seen in policy that avoids discrimination between people. In Animal Affairs, this progress is even lower, ”says Colomera, who ensures that limitations also influence the quality of life of the dogs themselves, some already older.« What I want is that I know I know acknowledge that they also have rightsBecause they are ultimately part of our family, “says Isabel. This Bilbao, as well as the rest of the interviewees, ensures that Lua has become a fundamental pillar in his life.