Animal Hospitals to Spay and Neuter Geneva’s Risky Canines

And that’s just the beginning. As of 09/15/2008, Geneva’s list of canines declared as unsafe or vicious has grown to 15. The newest additions are the Bullmastiff, Thai Ridgeback, and French Mastiff, a.k.a. Bordeaux Bulldog.

These are only the most recent in Geneva’s history of dog prohibition. The latest wave began in June of 2005, when a child was killed by a Pitbull Terrier, followed shortly after with the injury of another child by the same breed.

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 identified breeds before legislation was passed may retain the dog, but only after reporting ownership to the cantonal veterinary office, proving that the canine came from an approved breeder, completing a dog training lessons, and licensing the dog. Only one dangerous breed is allowable per household.

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 accredited.

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 native, visitor, or expatriate, familiarizing yourself with the rules governing dog ownership within the canton will prevent complications. Following those rules will protect you, your dog, and your record with the law.

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.