The competency requirements for dog owners and a more specific basis for assessment in the case of killing dogs are just some of the proposals for the new act on dogs.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food submitted proposed changes to public consultations.
Among other things, a requirement for the competence of dog owners has been proposed. This means that the dog owner must have the necessary knowledge about the dog's needs, natural behavior and area of use.
Several changes have also been proposed when it comes to killing dogs.
The ministry wants, among others information on whether a dog owner should have the right to request an expert report before the police make a decision to kill and what competences should be required of experts in this case.
It also proposes a concrete and objective assessment basis with clear concepts about killing. This is to ensure a more uniform interpretation of the terms.
In addition, the ministry wants to clarify and strengthen the police's room for maneuver in order to intervene at an earlier stage and then apply escalation measures. New measures are proposed, such as the application of fines for infringements.
Animal rights organization Noah praises the proposed changes. The organization has repeatedly criticized the Dogs Act for being unclear about the concepts that lead to killing.
- The new law provides clearer definitions of many important concepts. This is a more detailed and knowledge-based approach to situations where killing is unwise, veterinarian Siri Martinsen of Noah.
He believes the proposal is a significant improvement over today's dog law.
"There is probably still room for improvement, but it's clear the government wanted to do some thorough work and highlight knowledge about dogs," says Martinsen.
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(©NTB)
