DutchNews, May 18, 2017
The American Staffordshire terrier is on the banned list. Photo: Depositphotos.com |
Pitbull terriers, Rottweilers and the
Caucasian shepherds are among the animals on a Dutch government list of
officially dangerous dogs.
From next year, the owners of 20 breeds and all
pittbull crossbreeds will have to go on a compulsory cause in keeping dogs
which are known to have a propensity to violence.
The list and compulsory
course are part of a series of measures the caretaker government plans to
introduce in an effort to cut down on the number of dog attacks.
Junior
economic affairs minister Martin van Rijn is also working on a list of banned
breeds and plans to give local councils the powers to ban dangerous dogs from
some areas.
In addition, the government will establish a central register to
record dog bite incidents and a hotline for people to report dangerous dogs or
owners who refuse to deal with their dogs properly.
Bites
‘There have been a
number of serious biting incidents in recent years and this is extremely
worrying,’ the minister said in a statement. ‘Councils will be given more
powers to take effective measures… but ultimately it is owners who are
responsible for their dogs.’
The official list of dangerous dogs includes
pedigree dogs and crossbreeds which are known to have a high risk of aggressive
behaviour. It includes 20 pedigree breeds such as Rottweilers, various
varieties of pitbull and bull terrier, bull mastiffs and the Akita.
The Dutch
animal protection charity Dierenbescherming has welcomed the course for dog
owners. ‘We cannot deny this is a problem,’ a spokesman said. ‘Shelters are
full of dogs, most of which are pitbulls and similar breeds. They were often
bought on impulse and have not been properly trained.’
The Netherlands
introduced a ban on breeding pitbulls and similar dogs 20 years ago after three
children were savaged to death. But the ban was rescinded in 2008.
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