Fines for not cleaning up dog urine in the street
One of the first by-laws that has generated some curiosity is the one implemented in September 2019, obliging pet owners to clean up not only the faeces, but also the urine of their animals on public roads. Although the regulation on picking up excrement is widely known and applied, Valencia City Council has decided to go a step further, also tackling the problem of urine. Now, in addition to carrying a leash and bags, dog owners must carry a small bottle of water to dilute the urine to avoid fines of 50 euros.
No running in pedestrian areas
It is curious that in Valencia, known as one of Spain’s running capitals, there is a municipal ordinance that prohibits running or jumping on pavements and other pedestrian areas. The city, with its mild climate and flat terrain, is a magnet for runners, who enjoy its public spaces for daily training. In fact, the Valencia marathon is one of the most popular among running enthusiasts in Spain. However, although this regulation is in force, city councils do not strictly enforce it, because if they did, the daily fines could become a significant source of revenue.
No dog feeding
Otra de las normativas más sorprendentes es la prohibición explícita de alimentar a perros y gatos abandonados. Esta ordenanza parece haber sido instaurada en una época muy distinta a la actual, cuando la conciencia y sensibilidad hacia los animales no eran tan prevalentes como lo son hoy. Si se cumpliera estrictamente, cada vez que nos encontráramos con un perro o gato callejero en Valencia, estaríamos obligados a ignorarlo, sin poder ofrecerle ni siquiera un poco de agua. Afortunadamente, esta regla rara vez se aplica, lo que permite a los ciudadanos actuar con compasión sin miedo a ser multados.
No obstante, es importante recordar que, en cualquier ciudad, la mejor opción al ver un animal abandonado es contactar con una protectora, refugio o la policía local, quienes se encargarán de gestionar la situación y ofrecerle al animal la atención que necesita.
No screaming in the city
Another curious regulation in Valencia states that neighbourhood activities that include shouting, raised voices or the use of devices that generate excessive noise are not considered acceptable. The irony is that we are talking about a city that prides itself on its relationship with pyrotechnics and the din they generate, especially at festivals such as Fallas! Although it is clear that the regulation is aimed at neighbourhood coexistence, it is surprising that so much emphasis is placed on controlling shouting and the human voice in a city where noise is part of its cultural and everyday identity.
No carpet shaking from the balcony
It is a common scene in many cities: someone shaking the carpet out of the window or balcony to get rid of the dust. However, in Valencia, this practice is completely forbidden. And it’s not just limited to carpets; the ordinance also includes clothing, prohibiting the shaking of any type of fabric from windows, balconies or terraces. Although it is unclear how strictly this rule is enforced, in theory we should refrain from recreating this classic image of urban life to avoid problems with the city council.
