Spain Blocks Animal Transport from Ceuta to France, Citing Health Concerns

"The Spanish government, through the Directorate General of Agricultural Production, has issued a statement indicating that for health reasons, the same requirements demanded of Morocco also apply to us and that, consequently, all animals cannot go directly to France, but must go to an establishment in Spanish territory to be examined by veterinarians," denounced the Protectora de animales y plantas de Ceuta association in a statement cited by El Faro de Ceuta.

The association criticizes this "inadmissible administrative situation" that the Spanish government is subjecting the animals of the autonomous city "by considering Ceuta as Moroccan territory and not as that of a member country of the European Union". It also does not appreciate the fact that these animals are now required to be vaccinated every three months. "This is the first time that regulation 577/2013 has been applied to us, while for years we have been transporting animals to France without any problem," the association is outraged.

"The last trip dates back to 2019. Our dogs comply with European and national health regulations, they are vaccinated against rabies and have been tested for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Leishmania," the association assures, fearing cancellations of adoptions of several dogs due to this decision to refuse travel to France. "Most adoptions will not materialize and our dogs will be stuck in increasingly saturated kennels," it laments.

The association calls on the political authorities to "unblock" this "absurd" situation, but also on common sense and respect "for a Spanish city in all respects". "We will maintain the pressure and we do not rule out mobilizations so that our dogs can reach their destination this week as planned," it said, adding that "Ceuta cannot in any way be considered as Morocco, because the laws that apply in the city in terms of health and animal protection are the same as in any other part of the country".