The National Security and Coexistence Code establishes the rules that must be followed by people who dare to have a “special handling” dog in Colombia. Anyone who does not follow the rule faces fines and even the confiscation of the animal.
The law states that pet owners are responsible for any harm their dogs cause to other animals or people. It is therefore important that owners follow the legal recommendations for keeping their dogs.
Special dogs are usually dogs that have caused death or injury to people or other dogs in the past, that have been trained to attack and defend themselves, or that belong to the so-called strong breeds.
Before acquiring a “strong breed” dog, owners must bear in mind that the pet must be registered with the Environmental Secretariat of the municipality of residence and that failure to comply with this protocol can result in a fine of up to $1,066,667.
To register the animal, you must submit a letter to the mayor’s office, attaching data such as the pet’s name, home address, physical characteristics of the animal and even photos that allow the puppy to be identified.
The permit to own special dogs is valid for one year and is issued within a maximum of five working days after submitting the documents.
What are the strong dog breeds?
–American Staffordshire
– Bull Mastiff
-Doberman
-Dogo Argentino
-Dogue de Bordeaux
–Fila Brasileiro
-Neapolitan Mastiff
-Bull Terrier
-Pit bull terrier
–American Pit Bull Terrier
–Presa Canario
-Rottweiler
–Staffordshire Terrier
–Tosa Japanese
The law requires owners of these breeds to take preventative measures such as muzzle and leash when walking them in public spaces.
People who travel with these dogs off-leash can be fined up to 190,000 pesos, and up to 366,000 pesos if the pets are unmuzzled in public spaces.
