I want fewer people to be seriously injured by dogs, I want dog owners who are bad at keeping dogs not to have dogs, says Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren (KD) to SVT News.
The background is an investigation from the Agency for Administrative Support from last year, where it was established that society's efforts against dangerous dogs are not effective enough.
Today, the County Administrative Board has no possibility to check if a dog ban is complied with – but with the new law, they will have the opportunity to enter homes to ensure that dog owners follow decisions.
To search for whether you have a dog or not, or if you have a muzzle on your dog that you have been ordered to have, or whatever it may be, says Peter Kullgren.
According to current rules, only the police can decide to immediately seize dogs. Now, it is also proposed that the County Administrative Boards be given this opportunity.
If the proposal is approved, it will come into force on 1 April 2026.
Last year, 4,374 people were injured after being bitten or attacked by dogs. The number of injured has increased in recent years – in 2020, the figure was 3,553.
