More about Dangerous Dogs in Germany

My friend Iris sent me more information about the dogs in Germany. Here's a list of the kinds of dogs that are restricted. You can click on the breed to figure out what it looks like so you'll know what it would be called in America.

Kategorie 1: Pit-Bull Bandog American Staffordshire Terrier Staffordshire Bullterrier Tosa-Inu

Kategorie 2: Alano20 American Bulldog Bullmastiff Bullterrier Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Dogue Bordeaux (Bordeauxdogge) Fila Brasileiro Mastiff Mastino Espaniol Mastino Napoletano Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario) Perro de Presa Mallorquin Rottweiler

Iris also said...

I learned that even the breeding of these dogs is meanwhile forbidden by law (§ 143 STGB). You can only buy such a creature in Austria or Great Britain, but you are not allowed to import him/her to Germany.

The discussion (and decisions) came up after a pitbull killed a child in Hamburg in 1990. I think from the beginning of the discussion to first steps it took only 3 months.

I say...
Think of all the media reports you've heard here in the U.S. just over the past year of vicious dog attacks. Only a month ago local news reported that 2 Pit Bull dogs attacked an 8 year old boy in Conroe and he had to be life-flighted to the hospital. The dogs were still on the loose and local news was warning people about them. Why is it that our government officials don't respond like they do in Germany?

German Laws Regarding Dogs

My friend, Iris, who lives in Germany, tells me that her country has much stricter laws than we do regarding dogs. I was amazed by what she told me, so I wanted to post it here. As you can tell from one of my previous posts, even the attempt to restrict certain breeds known to be aggressive by a local government gets challenged at the state level with the AG opinion being requested. I wonder how many big dogs would be in America if we had similar rules to Germany. Read on what Iris says and tell me what you think.

FYI - current exchange rate 1 Euro = 1.4045 U.S. dollars

We have very strong regulations here to have a dog in a family. Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, German sheep dogs, boxer and all the "larger" breeds are only allowed to be held, if the owner takes a course three times a week for one year to prove his character (yes, the owner) to prove he can handle such a dog. This course cost 2000 Euro. After the exam he is allowed to buy such a dog. When the dog arrives, the owner has to take him to a two years training (2 times a week) under control of a police dog trainer. This course cost 1500 Euro each year. And last but not least, Germans pay dog taxes.

I have to pay 144 Euro for two dogs each year. When you have a dog who is listed "could be dangerous" the tax raises to 1800 Euro a year. Together with the costs for buying such a creature you can easily spend 11,000 Euro during the first two years. Can you imagine how much "dangerous dogs" we have in our neighbourhood? None, nobody was silly enough to spend that much money.

In my direct neighbourhood we have 15 dogs (including mine) and one very big German sheep dog, but he belongs to a police dog trainer, there is no need to fear. He is a quite charming boy (the dog, not the trainer :-).

GG & Monte Share Toys

Tater LOVES Squeak Toys - Who Knew???

One More of Timitu - Catnip MMMMMMMMMM!

Timitu's Scratching Toy

Christmas with the Four-Legged Kids

Timitu, our 18-year-old cat, still remembers her kitten days...with a little help from Santa...

Interesting Request for AG Opinion

Given my recent experience with Porch Boy being attacked by a Pit Bull, I found this of particular interest. http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/opinions/50abbott/rq/2008/pdf/RQ0765GA.pdf

Health Updates

I had my first follow-up blood test since going on the diabetes medicine and it was in the normal range. So, the combination of the change in diet and medicine seems to be working. I will have to repeat the blood test every 3 months to make sure I stay in the normal range. Thank goodness I don't have to monitor my blood sugar levels by sticking my finger! I know, I'm such a wuss....

P Boy got all 9 stitches removed on Thursday. Gina took him and said he wailed like a banshee. The owners of the dog that attacked him still have not picked up either of the certified letters I sent. Once they are returned to me I decided to approach them, neighbor to neighbor, and request that they reimburse me the $1195 vet expenses that their dog caused. If they refuse, then I will file a small claims court case, which I'm pretty sure that I would win.

I found out that even if they don't pay a judgment in my favor, I can have a lien against their house for the amount and they can't sell their house until they pay. Justice will be served.