Silvio Erkens proposes mandatory training for owners of bite-prone dogs

Dutch State Secretary for Agriculture Silvio Erkens has proposed mandatory practical training for owners of dogs frequently associated with biting incidents. The specific breeds or characteristics subject to this requirement are still under investigation.

Additionally, Erkens plans to introduce a voluntary theory course for all new and current dog owners starting in 2027 to ensure basic knowledge of pet care. To address the issue of tens of thousands of lost pets annually, a mandatory microchipping requirement for cats is proposed to begin in 2028.

These domestic measures align with upcoming European regulations. A centralized European database for dog and cat registrations is expected to be implemented by 2031 to facilitate tracking pets across borders.