Egypt’s ‘dangerous animals’ law came into effect on 14 June, enforcing new regulations for owning dogs and exotic animals. First drafted on 29 May, the law continues to spark outrage among Egyptian dog owners over its particular ban on certain breeds. Known formally as the Regulation of Ownership of Dangerous Animals and Dogs Law, the new law classifies dangerous animals as “that which causes harm or damage to humans or animals,” as written in Chapter 1, Article 1 of the legislation. An animal deemed dangerous by the General Authority of Veterinary Services (GAVS), the authoritative body on the new law, must surrender its pet for inspection within one month of the law’s enactment. Upon inspection, the authority determines whether the breed is suitable for registration or too dangerous. Dog owners that do not abide by the new law could face a fine of EGP 10,000 (USD 323) for an unlicensed dog, or jail time in the case of their pets causing harm to another person or animal. A person with an unregistered dog that attacks another person could face a minimum of six months in prison. The sentence is extended…
