Main Pet Regulations

Country you go, read you find. However, the legislation regarding pet ownership is similar everywhere. The law, in essence, invites respect for others, but in most cases, just a little common sense would be enough to put it into practice, without the need to be obliged to do so.

First, they should all come to understand that an animal is not a stuffed animal, but a living being for which we become responsible from the first day of adoption, accepting all the consequences that come from its behavior. Furthermore, the law obliges us to take care of the animal, under penalty of mistreatment.

Today, however, we want to focus more on the aspect concerning the possession of the animal and the damage caused to third parties.

Pets and legislation

Civil liability for damage caused by your pet

The owner is always responsible for the damage caused by his pet, whether towards objects, other animals or people.

The keeper of an animal, even when he is not the owner and even if only momentarily, is equally responsible, like the owner, for the damage caused by the animal.

In the event that the animal is aggressive, the owner is obliged to take out an insurance policy that covers damages to third parties.

Registration in the registry of pets

Anyone who owns a dog is obliged to register it at the canine registry, where the data about his residence and the characteristics of the animal will be recorded. Failure to register involves an administrative penalty.

Obligations of the ASL in case of aggression by an animal

When an animal attacks a person or another animal, the ASL or the hospital that provides assistance to the victim is obliged to report the accident and specify the degree of danger of the animal.

• The animal that has attacked must be isolated and kept under observation.
• A process could be activated that aims to ascertain the psychophysical conditions of the animal.

The owner of an animal that causes damage is civilly and even criminally liable. This happens if the animal has not been registered, vaccinated or its degree of danger has not been reported.

Having a pet is a responsibility

Before taking a pet into your home, think about the paperwork and costs involved and whether you will be able to deal with them. Remember that, in addition to registering with the canine registry, you will have to subject the animal to vaccination cycles and compulsorily equip it with a microchip.

Teach your pet to socialize from an early age, both with other animals and with people, to avoid future problems. This could involve an extra expense if you are unable to do it yourself, as you will have to go to a training center run by specialists in the field.

Remember that a pet is more than just a furry object to pet on the sofa. You have to  think “with your head” and accept everything that involves being the owner of an animal. 

In reality, cases of animals attacking are rare; however, if you want to take care of an animal, get all the documents required by the legislation. You will avoid a lot of problems.