Law reiterates and clarifies dangerous dog
restrictions (Spain)
Law reiterates and clarifies dangerous dog
restrictions A. Nogués
The new law also includes a long chapter
devoted to the ownership of potentially dangerous dogs. In this section the
Junta de Andalucía has included all the breeds listed in the national
legislation (Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American
Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Argentine Dogo, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu
and Akita Inu) and has added the Doberman. Furthermore the dangerous dog
category can also be applied to any dog that has been trained to attack or
that has been certified as potentially dangerous by a vet due to its weight,
size and aggressive character.
These animals will have to undergo a training course and must be
walked on a lead of no more than one metre and wear a muzzle, says
the regulation which also bans this type of dog from areas such as
children’s playgrounds. More than one dog of this kind must not be
walked by any one person at the same time and documents to prove the
animal is correctly registered must be carried at all times.
Owners of dogs classed as dangerous must obtain a licence from
their local Town Hall and register their pet on the Andalusian
Animal Identification Register (RAIA) through authorised vets.
The owner must be over the age of 18 and able-bodied, pass a
psychological test, be free of convictions of serious offences
and take out a civil responsibility insurance policy with cover
of at least 175,000 euros