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Dog Rules! Following several attacks involving so-called “dangerous” dogs, the courts have ruled. Which dogs are targeted? And what are the obligations of their masters?
The “categories” of dogs
Dog Rules! Since the law of January 6, 1999, two categories of dogs have been created. The dogs of the first category are those which are not registered in the Book of French Origins ( LOF ) and which are comparable, by their morphological characteristics, to the breeds American Staffordshire Terrier (commonly called “pitbulls”), Mastiff (known as ” Boerbulls” )) and Tosa. You will find the complete list of dogs belonging to these two categories in the decree of April 27, 1999. It is important to read there the measurements to which the animal must correspond.
Who can hold them?
A private individual does not have the right to acquire, transfer or import a dog of the first category. It is forbidden for certain people to keep a dog belonging to the two categories: people under the age of 18, adults under guardianship (unless exempted), people convicted of a crime or an offense listed in bulletin number 2 of the criminal record, foreign nationals in same case, and persons from whom ownership or custody of an animal has been withdrawn because of danger to people or domestic animals.
What are the obligations of owners?
Since the law of June 20, 2008, no declaration is made at the town hall. From now on, a detention permit must be obtained from the mayor of the municipality where the owner of the animal resides. To obtain this permit, you must follow a 7-hour training course, obtain a certificate of aptitude and have the animal’s behavior evaluated by a licensed veterinarian.
In addition, it is necessary to provide the usual documents, that is to say the elements of identification of the animal, the anti-rabies vaccination and the valid civil liability insurance. For dogs in the first category, a sterilization certificate is also required. Failure to sterilize a first-category dog is punishable by 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine of 15,000 euros. The court can also confiscate the animal and prohibit the keeping of a first or second category dog for 5 years.
What is the risk of an owner without a permit?
Lack of proof of detention is punishable by a 4th class fine, ie 750 euros maximum. If, after formal notice, the offense persists, on the administrative level, the dog risks being placed in the pound, and it may be euthanized. In criminal cases, the penalty is 3 months’ imprisonment and a fine of 3,750 euros. The court can order the confiscation of the animal, and prohibit the defendant, permanently or not, from keeping an animal.
What are the forbidden places?
It all depends on the category of the dog. For dogs in the first category, these are all public places, with the exception of public roads. And for dogs of the second category, there is no prohibition. They must be muzzled and kept on a leash by an adult.
DAMY Lawyers’ Society , Nice, Dangerous dogs, what does the law say? 2022 Update
