On October 10, 2026, the Santander City Council announced the reinforcement of its awareness campaign focused on the collection of pet waste, distributing a total of 500 bag dispensers with carabiners and an equal number of foldable bottles. This initiative aims to encourage pet owners to maintain cleanliness in public areas while walking their dogs.
Informational stands have been set up in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Juan de Herrera Street to promote the use of these items and highlight the negative impact of irresponsible behavior by a minority who fail to clean up after their pets. The campaign emphasizes that dog waste left in public spaces, streets, and parks poses health risks, including the potential transmission of diseases to humans, as well as hazards for elderly individuals and children in play areas.
The presence of dog urine is also noted as a factor that degrades urban furniture, facades, streetlights, and damages grass and plants. The awareness campaign includes posters at bus shelters, vinyls on some buses, and videos on urban buses reminding pet owners of their obligation to clean up after their pets. It also advises using water mixed with a few drops of vinegar to dilute the effects of dog urine, in line with recommendations from other municipalities across the country.
This campaign builds on a previous initiative aimed at dog owners, which featured signs anchored in parks and gardens reminding the public of the presence of children playing and elderly individuals with mobility and vision impairments, stressing the necessity and obligation to clean up after dogs.
Additional Responsibilities for Dog Owners
In addition to cleaning up waste, pet ownership, particularly for dogs, comes with a series of responsibilities. One of the most frequently reported violations by the Local Police is walking dogs without a leash. Article 15 of the Dog Ownership Ordinance mandates that dogs must be leashed or harnessed when in public spaces.
Dogs may travel on urban buses if they are properly controlled in a closed and approved carrier. They are only allowed to roam without a leash in designated dog recreation areas scattered throughout the city. On beaches, regulations specify that dogs may only be present outside the period from June 1 to September 30, and loose dogs are not permitted.
According to Law 7/2023 on the protection of animal rights and welfare, dogs and other pets may be allowed in public or private establishments (such as bars and restaurants) in areas not designated for food preparation, storage, or handling. If entry is not permitted, a visible sign must indicate this from outside the establishment. Additionally, dogs classified as potentially dangerous must wear muzzles and be registered with the municipal registry, with owners required to provide the necessary documentation as per the regulations governing these breeds.
