New rules on keeping dogs that have attacked take effect
As of September 19, Latvia has new government regulations imposing stricter conditions on dogs that have attacked people or animals, including mandatory training, walking restrictions and, in severe cases, euthanasia or a lifetime ban on owning dogs.
New Cabinet of Ministers regulations governing how dogs that have attacked a person or another animal must be kept and trained entered into force in Latvia on September 19. The rules build on existing legislation, under which administrative violations can bring fines of up to 3,000 euros and criminal cases involving serious injury or death can result in prison sentences of up to three years.
Stricter owner obligations
Since July 1, the Animal Protection Law has already required that a dog involved in an attack be kept exclusively within the owner's own property and banned from being bred or sold. If the dog caused moderate injury, the owner must have it sterilized immediately and personally complete obedience training alongside the animal. In cases of severe injury or death, the dog is euthanized immediately at the owner's expense, and the responsible person is permanently barred from keeping dogs.
Walking and training requirements
Under the new rules, such a dog may only be walked by an adult capable of controlling it, one dog at a time, on a sturdy leash and wearing a closed muzzle — unless a canine behavior specialist has advised otherwise following obedience training. These requirements also apply to dogs already registered as dangerous. A record of the violation remains in the database for the dog's entire life.
Owners punished for an administrative offense or for causing moderate injury must, within twelve months, complete obedience training with their dog as well as an educational course of at least six hours, followed by a written test. While an administrative or criminal case is ongoing, the dog is barred from participating in exhibitions or events involving other animals.
