Ecuador and Spain address pet abandonment with adoption guidance and stricter animal‑welfare penalties

In Ecuador, more than 500,000 dogs are estimated to live on the streets, with Quito alone home to about 97,000 stray dogs – a 500 % rise since 2018. Experts stress that prospective owners must assess their time, finances and long‑term commitment, noting that a dog can live 10‑15 years and require ongoing veterinary care and training. "Antes de adoptar hay que mirar hacia adentro," advises animal‑behavior specialist Andrea Aguirre.

In Spain, shelters recorded roughly 285,000 abandoned dogs and cats in the past year (169,000 canines and 116,000 felines). Adoptions fell about 7 % to 72,000, leading to longer stays for animals, especially those with behavioral problems. The 2023 Spanish Animal Welfare Law now classifies abandonment as a serious offence, imposing fines ranging from €10,000 to €50,000, and up to €200,000 if the animal dies.

Both countries are confronting rising stray‑animal populations, urging responsible pet ownership and imposing stricter penalties to curb abandonment.