Latvia tightens rules for dogs that have attacked people or animals

Latvia’s government approved stricter rules on keeping dogs that have attacked people or other animals to reduce the risk of further attacks, LSM reported on Friday.

While an administrative offence or criminal investigation is under way, the dog may be kept outdoors only in a physically enclosed area. Radio fences will not be allowed because they are not considered effective enough to prevent a dog from leaving. Entrances must have gates or doors that can be securely closed and locked. A kennel run is permitted if it provides a sufficient physical barrier and a lockable entrance. If several dogs are kept on the property, they must be separated.

Whenever the dog is taken outside its owner’s or handler’s property, it must be on a sturdy leash no longer than 1.5 metres. Retractable leashes will be prohibited. A longer leash may be used in a specialised, enclosed dog-walking area if no other dogs are present, or when walking the dog outside a populated area.

The dog must wear a muzzle with a closed front to prevent it from biting a person or another animal. It may not take part in exhibitions or other public events.

The Food and Veterinary Service will check whether owners or handlers have completed training in animal welfare and protection, and whether they and their dogs have completed obedience training. Owners or handlers whose dogs have already been classified as dangerous and recorded in a database by the time the amendments take effect must complete the training by October 1, 2027.