Domestic
State Secretary Wants Mandatory Course for Owners of Aggressive Dogs
Dutch State Secretary Silvio Erkens (VVD) plans to mandate practical training courses for owners of dog breeds associated with biting incidents, aiming to ensure safety through increased responsibility. While the specific breeds are still under investigation, animal veterinarians will help administer these courses, and penalties for non-compliance will be higher. Additionally, a voluntary theory course is proposed for all new and current dog owners starting in 2027 to provide basic knowledge. Erkens also intends to launch a new campaign this autumn regarding suitable dog ownership. Furthermore, a mandatory microchipping requirement for cats will begin in 2028 to reduce the number of lost felines, aligning with European regulations that include online sales rules and a unified registration database by 2031.
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