In Lombardy, a region in northern Italy, a new regulation proposes that owners of dogs of 27 specific breeds obtain a license mandatory. The proposal, approved unanimously by the regional Health Commission, seeks to promote responsible ownership and safety in public spaces.
The measure comes in response to the increase in incidents involving large animals. The aim, according to the authors of the text, is to avoid stigma and focus on prevention through training and behavioral assessment.
Mandatory course and practical test
The training course will be divided into two stages. In the first, owners must attend at least ten hours of theoretical classes. The content will cover aspects of coexistence, communication and animal control.
In the second stage, at least six hours of supervised practice will be required. At the end of the process, the dog and owner will take the CAE-1 test, developed by the Italian National Kennel Club. (ENCI). This exam simulates real situations to check the animal's emotional balance and reaction capacity.
If the pairing is not approved, the permanent use of a leash and muzzle outside the home will be required. The public health service may recommend specialized veterinary monitoring. In serious cases, the animal may be collected by appropriate centers. The test may be repeated up to three times in three months.
Breeds included in the “save list” or “blacklist”
Unlike a ban list, the regulation introduces a “save list,” which includes breeds that require careful handling. The focus is on dogs with strong muscles, territorial behavior or a history of critical episodes.
Among the breeds are:
- Argentine Dogo
- Fila Brasileiro
- Tosa Inu (Japanese)
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- american staffordshire terrier
- bullmastiff
- Rottweiler
- Cane corso
- american bulldog
- German Shepherd
- boerboel
- Akita Inu
- Cane Lupo Italiano, Cecoslovacco and Saarloos
- Caucasian, Central Asian and Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Maremmano-Abruzzese
- Bandog Grooming
- Rhodesian ridgeback
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Rafeiro do Alentejo
- Cão da Serra da Estrela
- Shepherd of Charplanina
According to the bill, the ownership of dogs of these breeds will require obtaining a certificate. For the law to be valid nationwide, the text will need to be sent to Parliament, in accordance with Article 121 of the Italian Constitution.
Meanwhile, other regions are considering similar measures. The proposal has the support of dog associations and professionals in the sector, who see the action as a way to avoid arbitrary bans and reinforce the education of owners.
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