Trigueros del Valle, a town of 300 inhabitants in northern Spain, has taken a huge step towards dignifying animals. Namely, they have given “special rights” to their non-human neighbours. To sum it up, dogs and cats are now protected by law from any kind of abuse, just like humans.

The idea was initiated to reduce the amount of violence animals are subjected to, as well as to acknowledge their importance in the town. Apart from the warm symbolism of the act, and the direct protection it offers, this also means that authorities will be taking care of abandoned animals.

This is indeed a huge victory for activists and animals lovers throughout the world. If citizens of Tigueros del Valle can find the room in their hearts to treat animals the way they should be treated, why wouldn’t the rest of the world do the same? It’s only normal to treat your neighbours with kindness.