We have just learnt that the German Federal Government is hoping to impose a new set of "dangerous dog" laws.

Although unconfirmed, the suggested legislation is tough and uncompromising and if agreed, will allow every region to create its own list and ban any number of breeds it wants.

INSPECTION

According to information recently posted on the internet, the import of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffords and Pit Bulls will be banned and Government officers would at any time have access to homes and buildings for inspection and be able to enter any room.
Officers could be shown any article relating to the dogs, such as crates, bedding and leads and they could, at any time, test the dog by taking urine, blood or skin samples - with the owner's assistance. Any refusal to help could result in a fine and possibly a prison sentence, The dogs could be forfeited.

Travel across Germany with a banned breed would be forbidden without written permission from each region to be crossed. People from other countries who want to take one of the banned breeds into Germany would also have to seek permission.
Each region would have the authority to issue any type of restriction on traveling with banned dogs - for instance, that the crate is locked, dog muzzled, etc.,

The German government has also announced that it intends to change the animal protection laws, but no more is known about that.

The news will come as a great blow to dog owners in Germany who believed that the proposed legislation, which has caused distress to so many, was in tatters.

DIVERSE VIEWS

A recent meeting or representatives of the countries 16 states had to be abandoned because views were so diverse - ranging from no breed specific legislation at all to action being taken against 20 breeds.

Sympathisers in the UK have once again been urged to make their protests known to German Authorities. (List can be found HERE)