We have filed a complaint against the Fabrik nightclub in the city of Humanes de Madrid for the installation and ongoing maintenance of an aquarium with fish inside it, subjecting these animals to living conditions that, by their very nature, are incompatible with their physical and psychological well-being.
The aquarium has been installed for years and is currently still operating inside the venue, despite the fish remaining permanently exposed to extremely high levels of noise, strong vibrations, and strobe lights typical of this type of entertainment venue. These factors generate a state of chronic stress in aquatic species and contravene basic animal protection regulations.
"The regulations of the Community of Madrid expressly prohibit exhibiting animals in entertainment or leisure venues, and require that animals kept in aquariums have adequate space in terms of size, naturalization, and environmental enrichment, conditions that are not met in this case," states Cristina Ibáñez, lawyer for AnimaNaturalis.
Furthermore, the complaint is supported by Law 7/2023 on the protection of animal rights and welfare, which imposes the obligation to guarantee dignified living conditions and prohibits subjecting animals to situations that cause them suffering, anxiety, or fear. The environment of a nightclub, with loud music, constant impacts, and aggressive lights, cannot be considered compatible with these legal requirements.
We have requested that the City Council of Humanes de Madrid initiate the corresponding sanctioning procedure and adopt the necessary measures to ensure the welfare of the fish, including, if appropriate, the intervention and transfer of the animals to suitable facilities.
"Keeping fish in an aquarium inside a nightlife venue is not a harmless decorative element: we are talking about sentient beings that feel pain, stress, and suffering when exposed to inadequate living conditions. The law is clear about the obligations and prohibitions regarding animal welfare, and we demand that it be enforced," adds Ibáñez.
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