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 inhabitants annoyance was felt in the first ever Geneva citizen election, which resulted in a total victory 80 percent in support of stricter laws on the subject of breed control and owner schooling and regulation.
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.
Per Geneva’s new dog ownership regulations, any of the 15 breeds considered to be dodgy must be muzzled and leashed when outside of their own domiciles. They must be spayed or neutered. Additionally, dogs that are mixed breeds, containing blood of any of the potentially ferocious breeds, are subject to the same policy as purebreds.
Geneva divides the 15 breeds into different categories, with each category holding specific requirements. A complete list of dangerous breeds and set of laws can be acquired through Geneva’s cantonal veterinary office.
In addition to provisions that must be made for dangerous classes, Geneva’s general dog owner populace, custodians of the canton’s 30,000 dogs, is subject to new policy. As formerly declared, specific guidelines for the proper keeping of dogs must be pursued. But more recently, every dog owner is now required to attend a dog possession course, regardless of their dog’s breed.
Furthermore, dog walkers must now be licensed.
Geneva isn’t the only Swiss canton that’s lessening the leash when it comes to dog management. Valais, Fribourg, Bern, and Zurich have their own laws. 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 resident, tourist, or emigrant, familiarizing yourself with the rules governing dog ownership within the canton will prevent tricky situations. Following those set of laws will protect you, your dog, and your record with the law.
Don’t fail to comply with Geneva’s newest, and oldest, dog ownership regulations by acquiring misinformation, or no information. These laws are in place to protect both you and your animal.
