This new law that could come into force at the end of this year seeks to regulate and homogenize animal rights in Spain. One of the most interesting aspects for families with dogs is the one that modifies the name until now used for some breeds of dogs: potentially dangerous dogs , which will now be called special handling dogs. Presented by the Ministry of Social Rights, do you want to know what changes the new law on dangerous breed dogs proposes? Special handling dogs will be the new name of the animal welfare law for potentially dangerous dogs This name for certain breeds dates back to Law 50/1999 , of December 23, on the Legal Regime for the Ownership of Potentially Dangerous Animals. With the entry into force of this law, it is intended that this name cease to exist, which does not mean that there are no dogs that must have special care due to their potential aggressiveness, but that they will be classified as potentially dangerous animals only after carrying out a study.
This new law changes the definition of dogs considered dangerous In what points of the new Animal Protection Law does it talk about the hitherto “potentially dangerous dogs”? First of all, article 2 of the old Law 50/1999 changes, remaining as follows: 2. Animals of the canine species will only be considered potentially dangerous after carrying out an individualized sociability study . In any case, the conditions under which they will have to be handled will be established by regulation. How will it be determined if a dog is a special handling dog? What is proposed in the draft Phone Lead Law is that animals of the canine species will not be classified as potentially dangerous animals, which does not mean that the control of the sociability of dogs will disappear, but that it will no longer be differentiated exclusively by breed. . What is contemplated in the text of the draft project is that sociability studies will be carried out and, according to the results, the dogs will be classified according to the behavior and socialization they demonstrate. After them, they may be classified as special handling dogs. Although the draft does not specify what the socialization tests will consist of, Article 35, which discusses training for dog ownership, explains: “All dogs must meet the classification criteria for sociability, complying with the behavioral and socialization validation mechanisms determined by regulation.” What safety measures will be necessary for a special handling dog? If a dog is finally classified as a “special handling dog”, a series of care will be necessary, as has happened until now with any potentially dangerous dog due to its breed.
What were these “cares”? Well, until now, those known as potentially dangerous dogs had to circulate in public spaces on a leash or chain of two meters or less as well as with a muzzle appropriate to the breed. Well, this rule also disappears with the new Law. This does specify that those dogs that are classified as special handling dogs must have security measures to prevent attacks or escapes. In addition, people who are responsible for a dog must complete an accredited training course , the content of which and the place where they will be taught are still unknown. And what happens then with Civil Liability insurance for dogs? Until now, dogs that were considered potentially dangerous had to have Civil Liability insurance. With the entry into force of the new Law, EVERYONE must have Civil Liability insurance for dogs , regardless of whether they are for special handling or not. In this way, the rule would also be homogenized throughout Spain, since, in some communities such as Madrid, civil liability insurance is already mandatory for all dogs . We recommend that you read our post on the Spanish animal welfare law if you want to know the 10 main keys and all its new features for 2023. Be prepared to comply with the new obligations that this law brings us. What should I do if I am going to adopt or have a breed considered potentially dangerous? As explained previously, it is mandatory throughout Spanish territory to have PPP insurance , or insurance for potentially dangerous dogs. If you have a dog of these breeds or are thinking about adopting one in the short term, our recommendation remains that it be insured, to comply with current legal regulations, until the new animal protection and welfare regulations come into force.