By eoghania
![[de]](/images/flags/de.png "Germany")
Date 14.11.02 11:21 UTC
This was a write-up in our 'base paper'. I thought it would be of interest for those who might be moving to Germany someday or for those interested in the various DDLs.
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Dangerous Dogs Require Special Regulations
by Matthias L. Volker
86th AW Judge Advocate International
Kaiserslautern American, 8 Nov. 2002.
(The German State of) Rheinland-Pfalz made a Dangerous Dog Ordinance effective July 11, 2000, but a more detailed overview is needed for those who wish to own a 'dangerous dog.'
The local Offices of Public Order at city and county levels are appointed to enforce the ordinance. It defines "Dangerous Dogs" as animals either:
* known to be vicious
* Having indicated inclinations to attack game or livestock
* Having attacked persons
* Having shown unusual aggressiveness
Automatically included in the definition of dangerous dogs are: Pit Bullterriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bullterriers and other dogs descended from one of these dogs.
Breeding, reproducing and trading dangerous dogs is prohibited. The dog may even be ordered to be neutered. Dangerous dogs may not be trained or bred to become dangerous dogs.
Permission is required to own a dangerous dog. The owner must justify the need to keep the dog, for example as a watchdog.
Furthermore, the owner must be at least 18 years old and personally qualified.
Personal qualification requires passing an aptitude test administered by a person or office certified by the State Veterinarian Chamber.
This test is only valid for five years and only connected to the dog that is tested together with the owner.
Certain criteria automatically disqualify people to own dangerous dogs.
* Final conviction for at least one crime committed with premeditation or twice for crimes committed while drunk within the last five years.
*Addiction to alcohol or drugs or mental illness or impairment
* Repeated violation of provisions
Dangerous dogs must be kept safely. They must be marked with an electronic chip applied by a veterinarian. The dog owner has to show proof thereof.
If the dog is lost or placed into someone else's custody for more than four weeks, the owner must notify the OPO.
In public areas, including common areas in multi-family housing, dangerous dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle.
Dog owners may ask for a muzzle exemption for their dogs, if the dog poses no danger to public security.
People walking dogs in public must be 18 years old or older, physically able to control the dog and not disqualified. A person may only walk one dog at a time.
The ordinance contains limited "grandfather clauses" for current owners and breeders of dangerous dogs.
Breeders who had dangerous dogs before 11 July 2000 were permitted to continue breeding the dogs under certain limited restrictions.
Those who owned 'dangerous dogs' after that date have to register their dogs and have the dog marked with an electronic chip. Furthermore, they also must show proof of passing the aptitude test. The OPO may prohibit keeping the dog if the owner is unreliable.
At least in the initial phase, the German police will assist officials in enforcing the law.
The German Federal Government plans to pass laws that prohibit the importation of dangerous dogs and to make violations of the state DDOs criminal offences punishable with confinement.
________________________
"Dangerous Dog Ordinance" is in every state. Hesse has the most dog breeds banned-
American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire bull terriers or American Stafford terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog, bandog, bull mastiff, bull terrier, Bordeaux mastiff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal (Karabash), Caucasion Owtscharka, mastiff, Mastin Espanol, Mastino Napoletano, Tosa Inu.
By nouggatti
![[ie]](/images/flags/ie.png "Ireland")
Date 14.11.02 12:21 UTC
The Irish Control of Dogs Act (restriction of certain dogs) is similiar in regard to the public behaviour of these dogs, the list of breeds is far more extensive. There is some discussion at the moment about not allowing dogs on the restricted dogs list breed. the length of lead allowed for these dogs was recently increased to two metres
the Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs) Regulation, S.I. No. 123 of 1991 requires that in order to keep the following types of dogs
Bandogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, English Bull Terriers, German Shepherd (Alsatians), Japanese Akitas, Japanese Tosas, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers including any other strain or cross or every breed or type of dog so described - as specified in Regulation 4,
It is necessary to have these dogs controlled by a sufficiently strong chain or leash not more than one metre in length and by a person over the age of 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog, Regulation 5.
Further these dogs must be muzzled while in a public place, Regulation 6.
These dogs must also have collars which identify the dog and give an address, Regulation 7.
Theresa
![[gb]](/images/flags/gb.png "United Kingdom")
Date 15.11.02 17:55 UTC