Dangerous dog act in spain

[snikpoh]

Originally Posted by gwennethk

Hi, had set our hearts on retiring to area around Alicante, even booked flights for september to look for property but I came across this dangerous dogs act at the weekend. We have a German Shepherd and although soft as anything, she weighs 40kg which puts her in category of potentially dangerous. I read about all sorts of tests my husband or myself would have to take before we can get a licence. can anyone give me some firm details on this please? It's ruined my week! I can't leave UK without her!! Any advice would be really appreciated.

Don't worry about it! Friends of ours brought 7 (seven) German Shepherds over with them when they moved (he used to breed them in UK).

Police have been to see him and all is OK.

[Cazzy]

I wouldn't worry about it!! We moved here with an Akita and didn't realise that he was on the dangerous dogs list. Our local town hall said they would sort the testing etc, but never got around to it. We had him with us for 5 years until he passed away and were never questioned. I am tempted to get another and I am not worried about doing the tests if I have to. I am waiting hopefully for a rescue one to come up!!

[djfwells]

I took my Rhodesian Ridgeback to the local Ayuntamiento to ask about a Dangerous Dog licence.
They asked me if he was actually dangerous.... When I said No, they laughed at me and asked why I would need such a licence then.
Personally, I would ask BOTH your local town hall AND a local vet. Different areas seem to place different importance on these matters, regardless of what the law dictates that they should do.

[donz]

the law here can be interpreted differently in different places and different areas will also enforce the ACTUAL list differently....

I have a 40kg labradoodle who could quite easily meet all the characteristics apart from the grumpy section!

My friend has a legally registered & licenced Dobermann in Nerja and gets constantly stopped to be asked for his paperwork despite having him muzzled, on the lead etc etc etc and his dog is the most gentle thing ever (a Dane in a Dobe body I say!)

If you have a dog that is on the list, and you are in a built up area then yes get him registered, You're better off being safe than sorry.

[Cazzy]

Originally Posted by donz

the law here can be interpreted differently in different places and different areas will also enforce the ACTUAL list differently....

I have a 40kg labradoodle who could quite easily meet all the characteristics apart from the grumpy section!

My friend has a legally registered & licenced Dobermann in Nerja and gets constantly stopped to be asked for his paperwork despite having him muzzled, on the lead etc etc etc and his dog is the most gentle thing ever (a Dane in a Dobe body I say!)

If you have a dog that is on the list, and you are in a built up area then yes get him registered, You're better off being safe than sorry.

Like I said I went to the Townhall and my Akita was on the 'grumpy section' and they never bothered about it. The vet was a little nervous about giving him his boosters and as soon as the needle went in shot back across the surgery, but soon got used to him. If you use a registered kennels and your dog is on the list you will need the license though or they will not take the dog!!

[donz]

you say that like it's so unfair Cazzy We are a registered (licensed) kennels and if we take a dog whose paperwork is not in order (microchip & rabies up to date and and legal paperwork as mentioned) we are liable to fines following an inspection (they can just turn up when they like) as well as this information being passed on by the Agricultura part of the Junta to the relevant area and the owner then getting action taken.

Fair or not with regards to our personal feelings, we DO operate within the law and we ARE a legal licensed business and so those kennels that operate in such a way don't have a choice.

I don't like the fact we have to rabies vaccinate yearly instead of every three years and any British owner who books their dog in for the first time with us has to be made aware that their dog passport has to be updated to comply with Spanish law - I don't like it but it has to be done.

Back to the topic in question, you are 'lucky' if you don't have to go through the whole bureaucratic rubbish that can take over a year to do but just be aware every area is very different and a lot depends on just how cash strapped they are....

[mrypg9]

Originally Posted by djfwells

I took my Rhodesian Ridgeback to the local Ayuntamiento to ask about a Dangerous Dog licence.
They asked me if he was actually dangerous.... When I said No, they laughed at me and asked why I would need such a licence then.
Personally, I would ask BOTH your local town hall AND a local vet. Different areas seem to place different importance on these matters, regardless of what the law dictates that they should do.

Same with us. And as I said earlier check with police and Ayto.
But do what the law says...passport, chip, vaccinations, muzzle, leash.....that applies to ALL dogs regardless of size and listed characteristics.

Our Ridgeback can be very dangerous but only in appropriate circumstances and we are very happy about that.

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by donz

the law here can be interpreted differently in different places and different areas will also enforce the ACTUAL list differently....

If you have a dog that is on the list, and you are in a built up area then yes get him registered, You're better off being safe than sorry.

I totally agree with what donz has said. Your dog can be involved in an incident that was not his fault at all, and if he's not on the register the consequences at the least may be a very heavy fine. For example, a friend of mine's son fell on a dog when he was out on his bike. Child's fault, but the dog bit him. If that had been a "dangerous" dog they may have been able to sue, and if the dog hadn't been on the register, and if the bite had been on his face...

[mrypg9]

Originally Posted by Pesky Wesky

I totally agree with what donz has said. Your dog can be involved in an incident that was not his fault at all, and if he's not on the register the consequences at the least may be a very heavy fine. For example, a friend of mine's son fell on a dog when he was out on his bike. Child's fault, but the dog bit him. If that had been a "dangerous" dog they may have been able to sue, and if the dog hadn't been on the register, and if the bite had been on his face...

You are quite right...but all dogs regardless of breed and size should comply with the laws.

I would estimate that a very small percentage of dog-owners have had their dogs chipped or bothered to register them, let alone insure them.

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by mrypg9

You are quite right...but all dogs regardless of breed and size should comply with the laws.

I would estimate that a very small percentage of dog-owners have had their dogs chipped or bothered to register them, let alone insure them.

Yes, of course, I just meant that the consequences could be so much worse for the dangerous dog breeds. You're probably right about the insurance - me included, but do you think the majority of owners don't get them chipped?