It is amazing how different yet also how similar many countries are in their basic laws as they relate to pets and pet ownership. In some countries, cities and areas there are strict regulations as to the number of pets any household can have as well as how the pets have to be controlled and managed outside of the owner's residence and property.
In most cases leash laws are more consistently used and enforced in urban settings, with rural areas and smaller towns more likely to have less formal laws and more general expectations when it comes to dogs. In some areas, particularly in underdeveloped countries there may be no restrictions on dogs within city limits or dogs may be considered nuisance animals. Knowing the various leash laws and dog ownership laws in different areas is important if you are planning to travel to the area with your dog or just looking for a bit of insight into how laws develop.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has very strict dog ownership laws including spaying and neutering, vaccination and registration of dogs within any breed within an individual household. A law developed in 1991 known as the Dangerous Dog Act specifies four different breeds or types of dogs that have to be muzzled when in public and spayed or neutered unless specifically registered for breeding purposes. Only registered breeders can have intact male or female of the following breeds: Pit Bull Terriers, Fila Braziliero Japanese Tosa and Dogo Argentino. The Japanese Tosa is also known as the Tosa Ken and is a large Mastiff looking dog that has been specifically bred for fighting. This breed is prohibited in many countries include Australia and New Zealand because it is so protective of its family and territory.
The Fila Braziliero is another mastiff type dog that is used for protection and guarding in its native country of Brazil. Due to their large size and potential aggression the breed is banned in many countries including Norway, Israel and the United Kingdom. Breeders may apply for a special exemption from the court to have a Fila Braziliero but only after very stringent security standards have been met to control the dogs.
Dogo Argentinos are a specially bred Mastiff type dog that was originally used for hunting and protection. Unlike the Pit Bull terrier and the Fila Braziliero, the Dogo Argentinos is not bred to show aggression unless warranted for protection. Unfortunately this breed has been used in breeding illegal fighting dogs and has lead to the ban or severe restrictions for owners.
New Zealand
As mentioned above New Zealand restricts the same four breeds as does the United Kingdom. Like in the UK all dogs that are Pit Bull types, Tosa Ken, Fila Braziliero or Dogo Argentinos have to be registered, muzzled and spayed or neutered. Penalties for not following muzzle and spay and neuter laws or registry laws range up to $3000. Dogs that are involved in an attack that can be verified can be destroyed with the owner facing up to three years in prison and fines of $20,000.
Japan
In Japan there are several breeds that are considered to be potentially dangerous dogs such as the Japanese Tosa, Akita and Pit Bull Terriers. Although there are no specific leash laws dogs that are found to be aggressive can be euthanized and the owners fined. There are muzzle laws for dogs that are aggressive and owners are expected to muzzle any dog that has a history of aggression.
South America
Although most South and Central American countries and cities don't have specific breed regulations many of the large cities do have limits to the number of dogs that owners can have within city limits. In Lima, Peru apartment dwellers can have only one pet per apartment and home owners can have two dogs by law. Violators of these number laws can be fined and also have the dogs removed or rehomed. Typically in urban areas dogs have to be on a leash and owners are responsible for picking up after their dogs, similar to the laws that are found in most major cities and areas.
Cities are also able to develop their own leash laws and muzzle laws based on their own population and input of the citizens and representatives. Many cities around the world have banned the dogs mentioned above, however the biggest problem is that there are several breeds that look similar to the banned breeds that end up being caught up in the ban. Unfortunately there are hundreds of dogs that have to be rehomed or destroyed because people cannot tell the difference between a Mastiff, Bulldog or Boxer and a Pit Bull type. Still others argue very rightly that it is not the breed that should matter but rather the personality and aggression level of the individual dog.
Limits on the number of pets per household as well as the level of noise that dog's produce are also on the books in many cities and countries. In urban areas it is not uncommon for dogs to be restricted to specific parks and areas and to be prohibited from beaches and other public areas, even when they are on a leash.
In rural areas of many countries including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand it is legal to shoot or destroy a stray dog that is attacking a person, livestock or animal or being a nuisance on your own property. Dog owners are responsible for keeping their dogs on their own property and away from bothering other farms and locations in the area.
As unfair as dog owners may see many of these international laws it is important to respect the regulations and work towards helping people understand dogs and how responsible dog owners behave. Only through developing trust and understanding can responsible dog owners help to change these laws to provide room for their dogs to play but also safety and security for the rest of the citizens of the city, country or area.
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