Government approves new rules for keeping dangerous dogs

On Tuesday, the government approved a draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) establishing a unified procedure for keeping, registering and training dogs that have attacked another animal or a person. The goal is to reduce the risk of repeat attacks and strengthen public safety while an administrative or criminal proceeding related to the incident is underway.

Stricter walking requirements

Outside the owner's property, such a dog must be walked on a sturdy leash that ensures effective control — short in areas with heavy foot traffic, longer in sparsely populated areas where there is no risk to others. The dog must wear a closed muzzle unless a behavior specialist has advised otherwise and the animal has completed obedience training. Only an adult capable of controlling the dog's behavior may walk it, and each person may walk only one such dog at a time, though joint walks involving several people each with their own dog remain allowed.

Ban on leaving unsupervised, exhibition restrictions

A dog that has attacked will no longer be allowed to be left unsupervised in public places, such as tied up outside a shop. Such dogs are also barred from participating in exhibitions and other events involving animals, given the heightened risk of a repeat incident.

Mandatory training within a year

The dog's owner or keeper will be required to personally complete obedience training with the animal, as well as separate training in animal welfare and protection. Both requirements must be fulfilled within 12 months of the decision taking effect, since dogs of different breeds, ages and temperaments require varying amounts of training time.

The rules follow an announcement by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs that new legislation on dogs that attack people took effect on July 1, 2026, requiring Cabinet regulations for its practical implementation. The Ministry of Agriculture said drafting the rules was delayed by a consultation process that included input from animal protection organizations.

The regulations follow an incident on September 4 this year in Carnikava, where two unsupervised dogs attacked a group of kindergarten children during a walk, injuring six children and one teacher. State Police have opened a criminal investigation, and the dogs have been isolated from the public.