Dog breeds that are banned in some countries
Dachshunds may be banned in Germany under new “torture breeding" bill
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LIFESTYLE Animals
The beloved sausage dog, known in Germany as the Dachshund or dackel, may soon be banned in its country of origin. Germany's national kennel club announced that a new law is being drafted that would prohibit the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies.” The law is currently under consideration and if passed, will strengthen the "torture breeding" restrictions under the Animal Protection Act. The proposed legislation looks to ban the reproduction of breeds that suffer from persistent health problems, like the spinal issues common among Dachshunds due to their long bodies and short legs. It may also extend to other breeds such as the German shepherd, the schnauzer, and the beagle. Dog breeders in Germany have expressed outrage at the wide scope of the law and the major impact it could have on breeding practices.
Awareness of "torture breeding" is growing and may result in bans against breeding beloved dogs in many countries, but until recently, the main reason for banning a dog breed was its perceived danger. There are many breeds that have a reputation for being "violent," fairly or unfairly, and have been banned in countries around the world.
These laws either prohibit or impose restrictions on specific breeds or types of dogs. The type of restrictions vary, ranging from complete bans on owning these dogs (with the threat of euthanasia), to imposing conditions and regulations on ownership. These conditions may include age restrictions for owners, as well as requirements such as the use of a short leash, muzzle, registration, insurance, sterilization, microchip implants, or even tattoos.
These laws were born out of a number of fatalities or maulings, and so they presume specific breeds to be dangerous or vicious. Naturally, there has been some backlash about punishing entire dog breeds when it is often the owners who encourage aggressive behavior, but nonetheless, the restrictions remain in place.
Take a look through the gallery to find out more about the most commonly banned or restricted dogs in the world.
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