Staffies in France
Posted: Wed 03 Aug 2016 21:48
Hello all,
I am (sadly) not a resident of the P-O, however myself and the missus visit the country several times a year and holiday down in the P-O every year. We were looking at possibly bringing our dog with us on our next visit, and have all the information regarding pet passports and associated regulations but have a question regarding breeds. Our dog is an RSPCA rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrior and it has come to our attention that these are/were classified under France's category one "attack dogs" list.
We have seen some contradictory information on this though. Some sources state that Staffordshire Bull Terriors are in this category, but the website of the Consulate General of France in London states:
Many thanks in advance for any advice anyone can give,
Kind regards,
Damon
I am (sadly) not a resident of the P-O, however myself and the missus visit the country several times a year and holiday down in the P-O every year. We were looking at possibly bringing our dog with us on our next visit, and have all the information regarding pet passports and associated regulations but have a question regarding breeds. Our dog is an RSPCA rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrior and it has come to our attention that these are/were classified under France's category one "attack dogs" list.
We have seen some contradictory information on this though. Some sources state that Staffordshire Bull Terriors are in this category, but the website of the Consulate General of France in London states:
As can be seen here highlighted in bold, this does include American Staffies but not Staffordshire Bull Terriors. Other sites include Staffordshire Bull Terriors along with American Staffies in that list. I am going to write to the authorities to try and get a definitive answer in black and white but in the meantime I was wondering if anyone had any experience of Staffordshire Bull Terriers in France and whether they do or don't fall into category one. In our case we do not have a certificate of pedigree. As far as the Kennel Club though he would not be a purebreed."Dangerous dogs in France are classified in 2 categories :
- Category 1 : attack dogs - They are dogs whose appearance is of American Staffordshire terrier (pit-bulls), Mastiff (boerbulls) and Tosa types (i.e. without pedigree). It is prohibited to introduce these dogs into France.
- Category 2 : defence and guard dogs – They are dogs of American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, and Tosa breeds (i.e. with pedigree), and dogs of a Rottweiler type (without pedigree).
Since 1st January 2010, by virtue of legislation dated 20 June 2008 and published in the Journal Officiel of 21 June 2008 (Loi du 20 juin 2008 renforçant les mesures de prévention et de protection des personnes contre les chiens dangereux), all owners of dangerous dogs (category 1 and 2) in France must hold a certificate of aptitude for keeping a dangerous animal, delivered by an approved trainer, and a licence (permis de détention) for the animal, delivered by the town hall (mairie) of residence. Until modification of the law to allow for a temporary derogation for category 2 dogs being imported into France, it is advised not to introduce such animals into France, whether on a temporary (holidays) or permanent basis. Sanctions may be incurred for absence of licence.
- Staffordshire bull terriers are not on the list of dangerous dogs in France. An answer to a Parliamentary question put to the Ministère de l’Intérieur (Home Office), published in the Official Journal dated 5 February 2001 (page 774), confirms the amendment to the list published in the decree of 27 April 1999, and excludes Staffordshire bull terriers from the said list.
- Dogues de Bordeaux without pedigree are classified in France as category 1 under the dangerous dogs regulations, and cannot therefore be introduced into France."
Many thanks in advance for any advice anyone can give,
Kind regards,
Damon