Potentially dangerous dogs (PPP) are those that belong to certain breeds whose physiology means that they can cause serious injuries and even death if they attack a person or another animal. In its first proposals, the Animal Welfare Law proposed eliminating the list of potentially dangerous breeds and replacing it with individual evaluations of each particular case.
In this way, it was intended that no breed would be considered potentially dangerous as a whole, but rather that each dog would be subjected to a test by which it would be evaluated whether or not it was aggressive or posed risks. However, this intention was ruled out due to amendments by several parliamentary groups.
Consequently, even after the entry into force in September of the Animal Welfare Law, what is contemplated in the previous legislation, Law 50/1999, is maintained, which states that dogs that are included within a category are classified as potentially dangerous. racial typology, which due to their size, aggressive nature or jaw power have the capacity to cause injury or death to people, other animals or damage to things.”
In addition to the aforementioned list, the Animal Welfare Law introduces that mixed-breed dogs can also be considered potentially dangerous if they meet certain physical premises that corroborate their ability to inflict serious damage, such as a strong jaw and a robust body structure.
Those who have a potentially dangerous dog must obtain a specific administrative license for its possession. In addition, identification and registration of the dog is mandatory, as well as having civil liability insurance.
On the other hand, they must meet certain specific requirements to be able to transfer them from one autonomous community to another and are obliged to notify the municipal registry of any change in the ownership of the animal, such as its loss or transfer. Likewise, it is mandatory that PPPs in public spaces be restrained by a leash of two meters or less, wearing a muzzle. If any incident occurs with the dog, it is also mandatory that its owner notify the authorities.
The new Law also imposes that the owners of the PPP must have security measures that prevent attacks or escapes from the dog, as well as the obligation to take a training course that certifies their aptitude for the care, handling and possession of these animals.
