Dog Owners to Face Tougher Rules In Switzerland

Susy Owen

Attorney

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So how is Switzerland handling the dog bite issue? Well, to begin with they want people to be responsible for any damages their dog(s) do to others. Under a draft law, dog owners would also have to take out mandatory insurance. Great idea.

Switzerland is currently dealing with approximately 300 dog attacks on people by dogs each and every year. The justice ministry would like to ensure that victims receive financial compensation from the dog owner if they are attacked. Under the current law, dog owners are not responsible for any damage their dog may do if they can show the dog was "kept" correctly, which doesn't make much sense. Why should a victim be stuck with the cost of a dog attack. He/she would really be getting the short end of the stick, so to speak, not once but twice. "The draft legislation comes amid debate over dangerous dogs in the wake of a deadly incident in Zurich two years ago, when three pit bulls killed a boy."

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Premises Liability.