Look, we've been celebrating the World Cup 2026 and freaking out over every play of our champions, but there's news that is going to change the day for more than one in the locker room. And no, I'm not talking about cards or renewals. I'm talking about the dogs.
It turns out that as of yesterday (July 20) the requirement has come into effect that all dog owners in Spain have civil liability insurance. And hey, you might think this only applies to the neighbor on the fifth floor with the yorkshire that won't stop barking, but then you see that Lamine Yamal has a German Shepherd, Unai Simón walks with a golden retriever, and Pedri appeared in stories with a border collie… Have they gotten their act together with the paperwork or will the bull catch them?
Photo: Chris Wondolowski (USMNT) with his dog · Public domain
Let it be known that the law is not entirely new: since 2023 there is the Law 7/2023 on animal protection, and dogs considered PPP (potentially dangerous) already had to have insurance. But now it is for all canines, regardless of breed, and the coverage must be active throughout the animal's entire life. I mean, if your dog escapes and decides to bite a pedestrian or causes an accident, the insurance covers it.
Key fact: In Spain there are 7.5 million dogs. If each owner pays on average 30-50 €/year for RC insurance, we are talking about a huge amount of money… and a measure that already existed in communities like Madrid, Basque Country or Catalonia for all breeds.
And of course, I wonder: Do you think that the footballers of La Roja (and of La Liga in general) are more responsible with their pets or are they a bit full of themselves? Because I've seen some player walking the dog without a leash in the city, and with that the excuse of "he's good" no longer works.
Warning: The law also prohibits leaving the dog alone at home for more than 24 hours and keeping it regularly on balconies, terraces, or patios. How many footballers live in apartments without a garden? I'll leave it there…
In the end, just like in football you have to have defensive responsibility and attack, with your dog you have to have civil liability and common sense. To me, the measure seems good, because animals are not a whim and it was about time we all take seriously the matter of having a dog. But of course, now we have to see if those who earn the most (and have the most dogs) lead by example.
Do you have a dog? Did you already know that since yesterday insurance is mandatory? What do you think about footballers having to go through the same hoops as us? I read you 👇
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