Animal Rights Activists Propose Dog License Over Breed List in Hesse
A dog license instead of a breed list is the new call from animal rights activists in Hesse, Germany. Sigrid Faust-Schmidt from the State Animal Protection Association claims most dog bites aren't from listed breeds. They suggest a dog license would make more sense.
Since 2000, Hesse has an official breed list and a 'Danger Prevention Ordinance on the Keeping and Leading of Dogs' that's been in force for 3 decades. The Ministry of Interior in Wiesbaden, confirms periodic updates to the list, removing or adding breeds exempt under certain circumstances.
Pet owners of certain breeds listed as 'dangerous' must comply with official requirements, pay high dog taxes in several municipalities, and pass a character test. These dogs often reside in animal shelters, find placement difficult due to the stigma and high taxes.
Individual dog considerations
Additional Insights
- Breed-specific legislation (BSL) in Germany, specifically Hesse, faces criticism due to its ineffectiveness in reducing dog bites or fatalities, with scientific consensus leaning towards training, socialization, and environment over breed as the primary cause of aggression[1][2].
- Courts in some German regions, like Niedersachsen, ruled against BSL based on its lack of scientific basis and potential breed discrimination, contributing to the abolition of breed lists in certain areas[1].
- Alternative measures, such as mandatory dog licenses, individual assessments, and behavioral training programs, can foster responsible pet ownership, address causes of aggression, and promote dog safety without stigmatizing certain breeds[1][2][3].
In the heart of Wiesbaden's old town, an animal shelter houses numerous dogs from listed breeds, facing challenges to find new homes. A local Hesse animal rights activist advocates for replacing the breed list with a mandatory dog license for a fairer and responsible approach to dog ownership and animal welfare.
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