The Spanish government wants to get rid of the current list of dangerous dog breeds. Spain wants to judge dogs by their behaviour and not by their breed. In addition, the government will present further changes for keeping pets in May.
The Spanish government plans to present legislative changes in the Chamber in May. The main change concerns the abolition of the dangerous dog breeds list (perros potencialmente peligrosos).
Dogs in Spain not judged by breed
The Spanish news site RTVE.es writes the change in the law applies to the current pet law. The abolition of the list should ensure dogs are not judged by their appearance or breed, but by individual behaviour and character. This is to avoid discrimination and unfair treatment of specific breeds.
According to the Royal Dog Association of Spain (RSCE), the removal of the list means more than 100,000 dogs in Spain are no longer considered dangerous. The organisation responded positively to this government initiative.
Which breeds does Spain consider dangerous dogs?
At present, Spanish law specifies which breeds are potentially dangerous. Currently the list considers the following as dangerous dog breeds: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu and Fila Brasileiro.
Mandatory re-education for a dangerous dog
The responsible government members are currently looking at how they will shape the individual assessment of the character and behaviour of dogs. The intention is that when a dog is judged as “dangerous”, it will require special training or (re)education to improve this behaviour.
National Register of Pet Welfare in Spain
The mandatory training requires a registered trainer. In addition, the government wants to set up a national register of dog breeders, trainers and shelters for abandoned animals. Various Spanish regions currently have such a register. However, this would be the first time there is a cohesive national register.
Also, registration of pets becomes mandatory before they are bought. This must be done within three months of the animal’s birth. The government is also calling for a registry of people not allowed to purchase pets because of a previous conviction for mistreating animals.
