Is it more dangerous? dog Because of your race? What does your sociability depend on? Latest dog attacks resulting in deaths It has reopened the debate on how to guarantee a peaceful and safe coexistence between animals and humans, beyond the new animal welfare law.
One of the aims of the recently introduced Animal Welfare Act is to address privately managed dogs. While current regulations categorize them as potentially dangerous due to physical traits that could cause harm, there is a contrasting view: each dog may display positive behavioral and social skills as an individual.
Most are very good
María Luisa Fernández, advisor for Small Animals at the General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain and president of the Veterinary College of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, noted that many dogs labeled as potentially dangerous by breed are, in reality, well behaved and socially acceptable in their day-to-day actions, with no significant problems.
Dogo Argentino, one of the dogs considered dangerous agencies
Following a controversial process with partial legislation pending, the Animal Welfare Law was brought into effect at the end of September. The existing identification model for dogs deemed dangerous remained in place, continuing to operate through ongoing oversight as before.
The current model for identifying potentially dangerous dogs remains unchanged in the new Animal Welfare Act
The list of dogs considered potentially dangerous (PPP) originated in 1999 and is codified in a dedicated regulation. It has not altered with the latest animal protection updates.
The breeds included are Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu. Depending on the autonomous communities, other breeds may be added to the national list.
Examples of breeds classified as potentially dangerous have not been changed by the legislation. They must be kept on a leash and muzzled by their owner to ensure public safety and prevent risky situations, as has been standard practice.
According to the Royal Spanish Canine Society (RSCE), there are roughly 100,000 dogs in Spain belonging to breeds listed as potentially dangerous (citation: RSCE).
According to experts, the danger posed by dogs does not depend solely on breed.
Under law 50/1999, a potentially dangerous animal is defined by a racial typology, aggressive character, jaw size or strength that could cause death or injury (citation: legal text).
It’s not just about race
There is broad agreement among professionals that a dog’s aggression is multifactorial and should not be judged by breed or genetics alone.
María Luisa Fernández of the College of Veterinary Medicine explained that in clinics, Chihuahuas or poodles can bite more often than larger dogs, but the bites tend to be minor due to their size and bite type (citation: interview).
Veterinarians say a dog’s aggression is multifactorial and shouldn’t be limited to just its breed or genetics.
An attack dog’s bite can be devastating because of the animal’s physical traits and size. Large dogs like shepherds can be dangerous, but they do not automatically prey on humans when they bite.
The Ministry of Social Rights, in the current government, notes that the aim of the 1999 Act is to move away from lineage toward social behavior. The test described would be conducted by veterinary experts and trainers to distinguish dangerous dogs from those that are not, considering size, weight and other criteria (citation: ministry briefing).
A complex test, say veterinarians
Veterinarians voice concerns that sociability tests may be too intricate to administer. Many factors can influence hazard levels, and outcomes may be uncertain when evaluating potential danger.
A veterinary advisor to the General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain remarked that simple tests do not reliably measure animal behavior.
A dog wearing a muzzle in public remains a common requirement for many breeds that fall under the PPP list (citation: RSCE).
It is noted that seven million dogs in Spain should undergo testing, including those on and off the racial list, ensuring a broad assessment across the canine population.
The Royal Canine Society of Spain urged responsible breeding to support predictable behavior and responsible ownership to prevent attacks. The Environmental Prosecutor’s Office recently called for caution to avoid confusion created by potentially dangerous dogs in the context of animal welfare legislation. The need to ground discussions in observed outcomes is stressed, especially when human safety is involved (citation: environmental office).
The ongoing debate emphasizes that theoretical arguments must be weighed against real cases of harm, acknowledging the ethical and budgetary impacts involved in protecting people while treating animals humanely (citation: government and veterinary sources).