In Spain, pets receiving a blessing is an exception that has also become a rule. Under a new Spanish law that took effect at the start of this year, pets will also receive a priest's blessing, in keeping with their own sentience. The church's St Anthony comes to bless them, and the animals wait with their owners in a queue in front of the church for their turn.

Under the country's new law, animals are now legally part of the family in Spain. Pets are regarded as living, sentient beings. If a couple divorces, the court will decide who is responsible for the pet.

Many Spaniards have already begun to treat their pets as part of the family. The new law also says pets may not be confined, abandoned, mistreated or separated from their owners.

On the special day of blessing, hundreds of people gathered with their pets in front of the church in Madrid, and both sides of the street filled with dogs, cats and pet birds.

Citing Deutsche Welle.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.