law for "dangerous dogs" in France

[wolwekraal]

At the moment, in France , some dogs have killed /bitten gravely many children, by amstaff, pitt, rottweiler, bullmastiff, "crossed dogs";
personnally,i'm thinking that the owners are "first" responsible/( to blame); but we have this law about "dangerous dog"...concerned: in second category,  tosa, rott, amstaff, staffie!
breeders/owners are subjecting to some legal reservations;
first category:  forbidden breeds as Boerboel, pittbull, crossed-mastiff, mastiff and rottweiler  without pedigree;
now, this law is updating; some lawmaker are  wanting to  expand for another breeds as rhodesian ridgebacks, 2nd category;
we never have some problems with this breed, but we 're thinking  the reason is the
 "rumours about lion dog/killer of lions" is responsible ...
question: have you similar events in your own countries ? similar law?
how are regarded Rhodesian Ridgebacks ?

[NombekoRRs]

In Germany we have different laws for every state listing different breeds and limitations since 2000, when a little child got killed in Hamburg. Before, there was only one list in Bavaria with certain dogs needing to make a temperament test in order to be allowed to be kept. On this list there was also the Rhodesian Ridgeback. So some of the other states were thinking about adding the ridgeback to their list as they were basically copying the Bavarian list but the ridgeback was not put on any of the final lists.
In 2002 5 more breeds were added to the Bavarian list (also Rottweiler) and the Rhodesian Ridgeback was taken off the list as it prooved there were not many (if any) attacks by ridgebacks stated. So as of today the ridgeback is on none of our lists in Germany.

[caro]

What is the difference between first category and second category dangerous dog.  What are the requirements for each.  Do you have to muzzle your dog in public?
Caroline

[k9crazyrr]

It is sad that the Boerboel is on that list.  They are very gentle family dogs.  I would trust one way before a German sheppard, Doberman, any one of the terrier breeds, ect.....  I guess my job as a Boerboel owner will have to be to help educate people on this breeds outstanding personality.  I think the breed is still so rare that it frightens some people.
Angie

[NombekoRRs]

Here is a link to part of the German laws and the circumstances why these laws were introduced (in English)
http://www.naiaonline.org/articles/archives/germany.htm

A bit outdated as ridgebacks are NOT on any list today. I am living in a state which is not as much restrictive as others, here "only" 3 breeds are forbidden.

As far as I know the Boerboel is on none of the German lists.

Ah, it's all so ugly, animals are once more punished for human misbehavior 

[wolwekraal]

many thanks for your replies

Category I dogs- dangerous breeds that cannot be imported, bred, or sold - includes , Pit Bull Terrier, crossed Tosa Inu, Boerboel, crossed mastiff, tosa & rottweiler without pedigrees; These dogs must be  vet-registered and sterilized.
Forbidden in “public” area, public transport, must be muzzle, on leash; owner must have a clean police record;
Registred  at the Police station or city hall. obligatory specific Insurance.
Category II dogs :
Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier , tosa inu, rottweiler ;

Forbidden in some “public” area, some public transport, must be muzzle, on leash; owner must have a clean police record;
These dogs must be registered in a stud book recognised by French state; Registred  at the Police station or city hall. obligatory specific Insurance

[caro]

Thank you for posting this information.  I had always wondered how the different categories were treated.  I am glad that the RR isn't on the list any longer.  However, when I was in the UK in March of this year there was a huge article in one of the national papers about an RR that had attacked a lady jogger.  This was definitely not what the breed needed.  They are "skating on thin ice" in the UK already and need to be extremely careful to avoid such publicity.  Already, according to my friend who is a long time breeder over there, she has to be extremely careful if her dogs chase and kill a rabbit while out walking that nobody actually sees the rabbit.  She now feels that she has to leash walk them at all times

I am surprised that the Anatolian and some of the other guaradian dogs are not included in the list.  While I don't know many Anatolians, the ones I do know I keep clear of.  They do a magnificent job with the flocks and serve a purpose, but definitely they are not to be trusted around strangers.

Caroline

[NombekoRRs]

Well, we have seen here what media hysteria, politicians with no knowledge of dogs and lobbies for certain breeds (ever wondered why a German shepherd is not on any list?) can do. So frustrating.
Many dogs have been abandoned and the shelters burst with dogs of category I who will be there for the rest of their lives as they cannot be rehomed. As much as I regret for other breeds to be on the list I hope for the ridgeback not to get back on them. But with the many BYBs selling puppies to unresponsible homes I guess this is maybe just a matter of time. I know about aggression in certain lines and I can imagine what any lack of proper socialisation might cause.

[Keeper]

We in the US are seeing a huge change in the dog laws throughout our country, but mostly the cities.  Dogs are suffering their fate because owners are not being responsible in training, restraint, indiscrimnate breeding, etc.    

If we are not responsible owners there will come a time when we will not be allowed to own our beloved breed(s) or to breed them.  And if that happens, what will follow next is no dogs, then no pets.  While this all seems like a fantasy....we are getting closer and closer to that with every dog law that is passed. 

Sandra