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Barcelona Court Rules Emergency Pet Euthanasia Justifies Work Absence

The judge cited Spain’s 2023 animal‑welfare law to overturn Majorel’s disciplinary firing.

Overview

  • The case stems from a November 29, 2024 urgent veterinary visit in which the worker’s terminally ill dog was euthanized.
  • The court found the absence justified on humanitarian and ethical grounds grounded in Ley 7/2023 on animal rights and welfare.
  • It declared the dismissal by Majorel improper and ordered €4,116.42 in compensation to the employee.
  • The judge criticized Majorel’s time-recording system as unreliable, which prevented the company from proving one alleged absence.
  • The ruling applied proportionality to the remaining absences, set a limited precedent for emergency pet care, and spurred calls for clear leave rules through legislation or bargaining.