Minister Schouten: new list of dogs at risk and registration of bite incidents

Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, ChristenUnie) is preparing a new list of so-called high-risk dogs and a system for recording bite incidents. This should clarify the cause of some incidents and determine if a breeding ban should apply to individual animals. Minister Schouten writes in a parliamentary letter on Friday.

The list of dogs at risk is presented at the end of 2018, and in 2019 the municipalities will begin and the police will conduct the first rounds of testing for the recording of bite incidents. The minister wants to "fully understand dog breeds and types of bite incidents". The plans fit into a broader approach of potentially dangerous dogs.

The new list of high risk dogs should help take preventive measures. "The list will be based on genetic characteristics (physical and mental) that push a type or type of dog to adopt riskier behavior faster than the other type or type," the minister wrote.

Duty to Castration or Sterilization

In addition to a prohibition of reproduction, Schouten wishes to see whether a requirement of castration or sterilization may be imposed, as previously advised by the Business Council. animal.

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The former Secretary of State Martijn van Dam (Business PvdA) had already drawn up a list in 2017 with 21 "aggressive dog breeds". The owners of these dogs must take the course so that they learn how to manage the risks associated with these animals. The list included all level crossings with pit bulls and the American Staffordshire terrier.