Owners of high-risk dog breeds may need to follow practical course under new plans

State Secretary of Agriculture Silvio Erkens has plans to introduce a mandatory practical course for dog owners of dog breeds that are more likely to be involved in biting incidents.

“I think the owners of these breeds need to take extra responsibility to keep their dog safe.” Erkens still needs to look into which dog breeds or characteristics would fall under the rule.

Erkens wants to use veterinarians to ensure that everyone actually takes the course, he said in De Telegraaf. He also wants the punishment for biting incidents to be higher if the person has taken the course.

From 2027, Erkens wants to introduce a “voluntary, accessible and engaging” theory course for both new and existing dog owners. The course would give owners basic knowledge about caring for and understanding their dogs. In addition, Erkens wishes to revitalize older campaigns that alert people to the responsibilities that having a pet brings. There will be a new campaign this autumn, specifically about which type of dog suits which type of owner.

Cats will be required to be microchipped from 2028. “Every year, tens of thousands of cats go missing,” the state secretary said. Dogs are already subject to a similar microchipping and registration requirement.

Erkens is largely adopting upcoming EU rules on dogs and cats, which are not due to take effect until after 2030 and also include rules governing the online sale of animals. A database will be set up in 2031 with the registrations of cats and dogs so that owners can also find their pets if they cross the border.