SPECIFIC breeds of dogs, such as pit-bull terriers and mastiffs, could soon be classified as ‘dangerous’, if MPs have their way.

Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and Boxers may also come under the same classification as part of a Dangerous Animals’ Possession draft law, which has been drawn up by five MPs led by Ahmed Al Salloom, prohibiting ownership without official authorisation.

Acceptable breeds would be identified in by-laws following the issuance of the law. The concerned authorities would also set up a registry detailing where the animal was bred, its type, colour, any identifying marks, vaccine records and its electronic chip barcode, alongside the owner’s name, identity number, age, nationality and place of residency.

Rules
Other rules include insisting that dogs taken for walks remain on a leash or else inspectors would have the power to capture, seize and take appropriate action that would be determined through by-laws.

The Muharraq Municipal Council yesterday unanimously approved the proposed legislation tabled by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak on behalf of the MPs.

It will be now referred back to Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee following earlier approvals by the Southern and Northern Municipal Councils and the Capital Trustees Board, with voted upon changes.

The range of animals needing special permission to own is vast with monkeys, wolves, hippos and rhinos on the list, alongside rodents, except domesticated hamsters.

Banned species of birds include vultures, seagulls and penguins and the reptiles classified as dangerous or protected by law feature all types of crocodiles, once suggested to having been smuggled into the country as eggs and later released into the wild when they grew too large, leopard lizards and venomous snakes.

Banned invertebrates highlight all types of spiders and scorpions.

In his written explanation to the councils and the board, Mr Al Salloom said the proposed legislation would help regulate and organise the possession of animals in a way that remains safe, doesn’t pose as a threat or hazard, or spread fear or disease amongst the community and people.

Stray dogs constantly create panic across the country, he admitted. “This is why we have dedicated a special chapter in the law to deal with dogs to ensure that they are taken care of and don’t pose a threat to the public,” he added. “Also, there are expats who possess dogs and leave them behind whenever their time ends here, which has contributed to the stray population problem.”

He added that even friendly, domestic dogs can turn wild after time on the street. “Also, there are people who breed dogs in their homes or farms for profit and introducing licences will help put an end to this out-of-control situation.”

Mr Al Salloom said the general law focuses on dangerous, rare, protected and disease-riddled species that shouldn’t be allowed into Bahrain in the first place.

Other countries have similar rules. The UK, for example, introduced The Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991 prohibiting or restricting certain types of dogs and codifying the criminal offence of allowing a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control.

“The animals we have listed or noted are banned across several countries for various reasons because of the danger they pose, the risk of extinction to controlling the spread of disease,” added Mr Al Salloom.

Under the Bahrain bill, individuals could be jailed for life and fined up to BD70,000 for illegal possession, spreading fear or using a dangerous animal to aid or assist in criminal activities.

People would have six months to comply with the law from its issuance in the Official Gazette.

mohammed@gdnmedia.bh

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