The Assembly of Madrid passed this legislation with the support of the PP and Vox, while the PSOE and Más Madrid voted against it. Proponents of the law state it "will increase legal certainty" for the sector and will integrate the essential aspects of hunting and fishing into a single legal framework.
The regulation is intended to benefit professionals in agriculture and livestock farming, as well as hunting and fishing enthusiasts, and those who enjoy leisure in natural environments. It introduces measures for improved wildlife management, such as Population Control Plans, tools aimed at municipalities to manage overabundant species like wild boar or rabbits and prevent damage to fields or crops.
In terms of fishing, the law simplifies water regulation, which will be divided into three categories: fishing reserves (cotos), waters under special regime, and private waters. Special attention is given to emblematic species like trout in river ecosystems, and others of interest to anglers in reservoirs and lower river sections, such as carp or pike.
Currently, 71% of Madrid's surface area, equivalent to 572,254 hectares, is designated as hunting ground, with 45,044 active hunting licenses. For fishing, there are 46,414 active permits and 34 regulated stretches totaling 347 kilometers, partly managed in collaboration with local entities.
The legislation also promotes sector modernization through digital licenses and electronic administrative procedures, aiming to simplify processes and enhance activity monitoring. The sanctioning regime is updated: minor infractions will be fined between 200 and 1,000 euros; serious ones, between 1,000 and 10,000; and very serious ones, between 10,000 and 80,000 euros.
Regarding safety, the law increases the minimum distance for hunting practice from populated areas from 100 to 150 meters, while maintaining other existing limitations. Furthermore, it establishes for the first time a general minimum size of 250 hectares for hunting reserves, regardless of the modality, with the exception of small game hunting, which may be authorized from 50 hectares with technical justification.
