The town council in Trigueros del Valle, with a population of just 300, has become the first municipality in Spain to enshrine the rights of pets alongside those of human townsfolk.
The council voted unanimously to define dogs and cats as "non-human residents", giving them rights similar to men and women, according to The Local.
Pedro J Perez Espinosa, the socialist mayor of the town introduced the so-called Renedo Declaration to guarantee the rights of dogs and cats as citizens of the town.
It comprises 13 articles including statements such as "all residents are born equal and have the same right to existence" and "a resident, whether human or non-human, is entitled to respect", it reported.
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But it also outlines basic tenets against cruelty to animals such as article 9a which states "No non-human resident should be exploited for the pleasure or recreation of man."
Animal charities hailed the move and said they hoped it would be introduced across Spain. "This is a great day for humans and non-human citizens alike," said a statement from animal rights NGO, Rescate 1.