The debate about so-called “potentially dangerous dogs” is always present in relation to responsible ownership and whether everyone is prepared to own a dog with these characteristics.
This debate is not merely a national issue; it also takes place internationally. In most cases, governments reach no conclusion. But recently, we received inspiring news from the Netherlands, where the government concluded, after a tragic accident, that it is necessary to educate owners.
Therefore, starting in 2018, anyone wishing to buy or breed potentially dangerous dogs will have to complete a mandatory training course to train them. Without proper care, all these dogs are considered by the Dutch government to pose a high risk to the community because of their strength and endurance. Martin van Dam, State Secretary for Economic Affairs, announced the measure, which includes a register of attacks. He warned that “municipalities must remain vigilant and apply the new rules, although the essential thing is for owners to be responsible with their pets.”
After all, as people always say, the problem is not the dogs but the owners. A dog is not, in itself, bad or violent. It has no destructive tendency. It may be strong, large and imposing, but its natural instinct is not to cause harm. In fact, many of them live with families and are loyal, affectionate and adorable. I am sure many ARISTOPARENTS can attest to this. The problem is that, unfortunately, many breeders and owners do not teach them properly —perhaps not because of a lack of willingness, but because of a lack of knowledge and appropriate training. Others, sadly, train them to be aggressive (for example, the American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred for fighting). But the fault does not lie with the dogs, but with the treatment they receive and the use made of them.
That is why the Dutch government has decided that, from now on, anyone wishing to own a dog with these characteristics must receive training, prepare themselves and have the appropriate knowledge. This is intended to guarantee public safety and meet the dog’s emotional and cognitive needs. It is an idea that Dutch society has received favorably, and perhaps it should be taken as a reference. Because… what does Spanish legislation say about owning potentially dangerous animals?
Law 50/1999, of December 23, concerning the legal regime for owning potentially dangerous animals, regulates the ownership, training and handling of potentially dangerous animals in order to preserve the safety of people, property and other animals. The most important requirements for obtaining this administrative license, which is valid for five years, are:
a) Be of legal age.
b) Not have been convicted of crimes involving homicide, bodily harm or torture, crimes against freedom or moral integrity, sexual freedom or public health, or crimes involving association with an armed group or drug trafficking.
d) Have the necessary physical capacity. This includes visual and auditory capacity; the musculoskeletal and neurological systems; perceptual-motor or decision-making difficulties; or any other condition that could constitute a physical incapacity to ensure control of the animal.
d) Have the necessary psychological fitness. This means not suffering from mental or behavioral disorders; psychological difficulties with evaluation, perception or decision-making; personality problems; or any other condition that limits the full exercise of the mental faculties required.
e) Take out civil liability insurance for damage to third parties with coverage of no less than €120,000.
The safety measures that must be followed by the person handling these animals and carrying the administrative license are also specified. Namely:
1. They must be properly identified with a microchip and registered in the Municipal Register of potentially dangerous animals.
2. They must obligatorily wear a muzzle appropriate for their breed type.
They must be controlled with a non-retractable chain or leash less than 2 meters long.
etc., but, as you can see, nothing mentions courses or specific training to properly care for, look after and control Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Argentine Dogos, Fila Brasileiros, Tosa Inus and Akita Inus.
How long will we have to wait before following the example of the Netherlands? Although it is not the only country from which we have much to learn. Portugal is a great example of this.