After nearly ten years of discussions and consultations, the House of Representatives approved the Dogs (Amendment) Law of 2026, combining a government bill and legislative proposals pending for years.
Registration is mandatory for all dogs over two months old. In case of an animal’s death, owners must inform the authorities within seven working days, providing a certificate from a registered veterinarian.
The new legislation prohibits euthanasia for healthy dogs. This practice is now allowed only if the animal is deemed dangerous to humans or other animals.
The use of a collar with a tag displaying the license number and owner’s contact details becomes mandatory. Walking a dog without a leash in public spaces is a criminal offense, as is not carrying a bag for waste collection. The fine for not collecting waste is reduced from 300 to 100 euros. Changes also occur in license fees, which increase and are unified nationwide. Exceptions are made for certain categories, such as assistance dog owners, security force dogs, and low-income pensioners for one neutered dog.
The law introduces a new definition of a ‘dangerous dog,’ referring to an animal that shows unprovoked aggression outside its owner’s property. For strays, mandatory transfer to shelters is required instead of euthanasia. They can only be given to new owners if they are tagged, neutered, and registered.
Exceptions to the leash requirement are made for hunting dogs, exclusively within permitted hunting areas.
Owners must inform authorities within two working days in cases of loss or theft of a dog. The definition of assistance dogs is expanded to include guide dogs for the visually impaired, support dogs for those with mobility issues, medical alert dogs, psychiatric support dogs, and allergen detection dogs. Certification from internationally recognized organizations is required for their recognition.
A fine of 100 euros is imposed for refusing to hand over a dog to authorities when living conditions are found inadequate.
