If you want to get a dog, you must first complete the mandatory (online) theory course on how to keep such an animal. This is one of the measures that outgoing Minister Adema (Agriculture) wants to develop to reduce the number of dog biting incidents.
The Minister writes to the House of Representatives that many biting incidents are caused by the owner’s lack of knowledge of the dog. “Signals by which a dog expresses displeasure, fear or stress are therefore noticed too late or not at all.” In this situation, the dog often sees no other option but to bite.
Such a mandatory course beforehand can also prevent someone from choosing the wrong dog or making an impulse purchase. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, need a lot of challenge and are less suitable as “companion dogs.” A mismatch can cause the dog to become frustrated and lead to potentially dangerous behavior.
Children are often victims
Plastic surgeons reported in August that they had recorded 100 serious dog bite cases in the past year and a half. The victims were mostly children.
Adema therefore proposes five measures that need to be further developed, as well as their feasibility and applicability.
Ban dangerous dogs
The minister has previously stated that he wants to ban the breeding and breeding of dogs with certain characteristics, such as wide jaws. France already has such a system. Adema sees risks, especially in dog breeds traditionally chosen for their alertness and independence. However, according to him, it is a myth that some breeds are naturally “unfriendly” or “biting”.
The board, called the board for pedigree dogs, oversees careful breeding and correct coordination between dog and owner. This group is therefore exempt from a possible breeding ban.
There is also a need for better recording of dangerous dog behavior and biting incidents. Everyone should be able to exchange signals at a national reporting point, which should then be passed on to Boas and the police.
Sometimes an aggressive dog must be muzzled or remain on a leash, but today such precaution usually applies only in the community where the owner lives. Adema wants such a muzzle or collar mandate to be implemented nationwide.
Completed faster
Finally, the Minister will consider whether dogs involved in serious bite incidents can be euthanised more quickly if the Crown Prosecution Service decides to do so.
Now they often stay at the animal shelter for months because the owner objects to the dog being killed. Such an objection is almost never accepted, and meanwhile the shelter staff runs the risk of being bitten.
Source: NOS

Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.