Breed Specific Legislation - Spain
We now have independent confirmation that the Spanish Government is in the
process of introducing Breed Specific Legislation to restrict ownership of 8
named breeds. (see below).
The affected breeds are the Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier,
Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Akita and
Staffordshire Bull Terrier. In order to own any of these dogs an owner must be
an adult, not have a criminal record, take out third party insurance to a
specified value and be physically strong enough to control the dog involved.
Whilst the restrictions being implemented may appear almost reasonable compared
to the draconian bans of Germany, never the less, the idea that such
restrictions should only apply to the 8 specified breeds is precisely the same
error that has led to two child deaths in Germany (by GSD and Rottweiler)
despite the introduction of rules to control the ownership of other so called
"dangerous" breeds.
The list unsurprisingly excludes any Spanish breeds such as the Presa Canarios
recently involved in a dreadful attack that left a San Francisco woman lying
dead from multiple bites. It is perhaps one clear indication of the political
nature of Breed Specific Legislation that no country ever seems to ban it's own
native breeds.
Another point worrying Spanish dog owners is that once again, it will be the
local police who are called on to decide whether somebody meets the criteria for
obtaining a licence. Of course anyone applying to the police for a licence to
own a "dangerous dog" is immediately opening themselves to suspicion and it
seems likely that any anti-dog police officer will be unlikely to approve a
licence - then what happens to the dog?
Finally, once the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or any other affected breed is
"named" how long can it be until further restrictions are applied or another
country adds the breed to their list of banned or restricted breeds? That was
the basis of the "Domino" campaign and seems to be coming to pass! Germany,
Austria now Spain ........... Where next?
Please spread the word and please ask people to write to the Spanish Embassy in
their own country, the Spanish Government and to their own political
representative. Once again our breed is under threat and if we cannot stop the
dominoes falling then it may not be too long before we in the UK are threatened
too.
David Levy
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Yes, we have a new unfortunate law in Spain, a very, very new, only a few days
of age.
All began in January 1999, when an Argentinian Dogo killed a child in Canary
Islands. At that time there were no important World News and TV, Newspapers and
Radios, went on for days talking about this sad accident. Another two terrible
accidents arrived, some months later, also with the result of a child being
killed. This time it was a Rottweiler and a Staffordshire.
Politicians began their work, which has finally come, now, to an end.
In July 2000 I wrote Editorial of the Terrier News Bulletin, which I decided to
have it also in English (I send it to you in attached document).
I think nothing really serious has been done and, well this is what we deserve.
It is not only eight breeds being involved in this law, it also says; Apart from
those breeds, there will be included, those weighing over 20 Kgs., those having
chest perimeter of 60 cmts, those with big heads and deep throats.
It is true, owners should pass a test to be aloud to own one of those dogs and I
don't know how many other things. We have time until end of June but let me say
something, if I went to try to pass the test, people (Policemen or whoever would
be in charge of doing it) would look at me, thinking if I'm mad!.