Spain has dog laws No 50/99 which could affect you if you are a dog owner. Here we print information regarding potentially dangerous dogs.
How do I know if my dog is classified as potentially dangerous?
Those dogs belonging to one of the following breeds and their crosses are considered dangerous:
Pit Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rottweiler
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Tosa Inu
Akita Inu
It is not completely clear whether German Shepherds and Doberman are included on the list. They seem to be included on some websites and not on others. It is recommended to seek advice from your local vet or town hall, who will be able to give you further information. As Spain is a federal country and has 17 different 'Comunidades' or Federal states with their own parliament, government and also laws, a law in one 'Comunidad' could be different from a similar law in another.
In Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona and other large cities a list has been made of 'Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos' dogs who could potentially be dangerous.
Those animals that have all or many of the following characteristics are also considered as dangerous:
Strong musculature, powerful or athletic constitution, robustness, agility, vigor and endurance.
Strong character and marked courage.
Short hair.
Thoracic perimeter between 60 and 80 centimeters (24 and 32 inches), height at the shoulder between 50 and 70 centimeters (20 and 28 inches) and weight over 20 kg (44 lbs).
Voluminous, square, robust head, with a wide and large skull and muscular and pronounced cheeks. Strong and large jaws, robust, wide and deep snout.
Broad, short and muscled neck.
Broad, thick, deep chest, with arched ribs and short and muscled back.
Straight, parallel and robust forelegs and very muscular hindquarters, with relatively long hindlegs at a moderate angle.
Also included are those dogs with a record of aggressive tendencies or prior attacks to humans or other animals.
What are the requirements necessary to own a potentially dangerous dog in Spain?
Potentially dangerous dogs must be identified with a microchip. They also must be registered in the Town or City Registries. The dog owner must have a license, issued by the municipality, valid for five years. In order to qualify for a license, the owner must meet the following requirements:
The licence application is made to the municipality of the place of residence. The applicant must take the following (an applicant must be over 18 years):
Proof of identity (passport or residence card)
Proof of having no criminal convictions
Proof of being mentally and physically capable of looking after one of these animals. (There are centres test of physical and psychological aptitude can be done and a certificate issued. The certificate must have been issued in the previous 12 months)
An insurance contract for the dog with a liability of at least €120,000 (€175,000 in Andalucia)
Proof of fully up-to-date vaccinations
Proof of identification by microchip
Proof that the dog is or has attended training school
Once accepted, a licence (the licencia para tener perros potencialmente peligrosos) is issued
The owner must report any changes to the information included in the license to the Town or City Registry within fifteen days of the effective date of the change.
What are the safety measures required by law?
When a potentially dangerous dog is in a public space, the owner or person responsible for the dog must carry the owner's license and the certificate of inscription of the dog in the Town or City Registry. In addition, the dog must wear at all times an appropriate muzzle, and must be restrained by a non-extensible leash or chain no longer than 2 meters (6.5 feet). At any given time, one person cannot lead more than one dog.
Potentially dangerous dogs located in an open, delimited space (land lot, porch, terrace, etc.) must be restrained by a chain or leash, unless the space is properly enclosed.
Finally, owners must report missing or stolen dogs to the Town or City Registry within 48 hours after the animal is determined missing.
