And that’s just the start of it. As of September 15, 2008, Geneva’s list of dogs declared as dangerous or vicious has grown to 15. The latest additions are the Bullmastiff, Thai Ridgeback, and French Mastiff, a.k.a. Bordeaux Bulldog.
The population’s outrage was felt in the first ever Geneva citizen ballot, which resulted in a landslide 80 percent in support of stricter laws regarding what kind of control and owner education and regulation should be required.
The population’s outrage was felt in the first ever Geneva citizen vote, which resulted in a landslide 80 percent in favor of stricter laws regarding breed control and owner education and regulation.
Per Geneva’s new canine ownership regulations, any of the 15 breeds considered to be unsafe must be muzzled and leashed when outside of their own homes. They must be sterilized or castrated. Additionally, dogs that are mixed breeds, containing blood of any of the potentially fierce breeds, are subject to the same regulations as purebreds.
Owners who owned one of the flagged breeds before legislation was passed may maintain the dog, but only after reporting ownership to the cantonal veterinary office, proving that the dog originated from an approved breeder, completing a dog training course, and licensing the dog. Only one dangerous breed is permitted per household.
Geneva divides the 15 breeds into different categories, with each category holding specific requirements. A complete list of dangerous breeds and regulations can be obtained through Geneva’s cantonal veterinary office.
Moreover, dog walkers must now be licensed.
Besides provisions that must be made for dangerous breeds, Geneva’s dog owner population, custodians of the canton’s 30,000 dogs, is subject to new policy. As earlier stated, specific guidelines for the appropriate keeping of dogs must be followed. But in recent times, every dog owner is now required to attend a dog ownership course, despite their dog’s breed.
Geneva isn’t the only Swiss canton that’s tightening the leash when it comes to dog control. Valais, Fribourg, Bern, and Zurich have their own legislation. And, prospects point toward future rulings regarding care and control of dogs in all of Switzerland, including tougher liability for owners and nationwide breed bans.
Whether you’re a lifelong Geneva local, sightseer, or expatriate, familiarizing yourself with the policy governing dog ownership within the canton will put a stop to complications. Following those rules will shelter you, your dog, and your record with the commandment.
Don’t fail to comply with Geneva’s newest, and oldest, dog possession regulations by obtaining half truths, or no information. These laws are set to care for both you and your animal.
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