Kedah likely to ban Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, among others, as pets

ALOR STAR: Rottweilers, Dobermans, Canary Dogs, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and Bull Mastiffs have been added to Kedah's proposed list of banned dangerous dog breeds, the state Veterinary Services Department said.The move follows an attack by two Rottweilers that left five people injured in Taman Desa Bidara, Kuala Ketil, on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.The department's website lists these breeds as controlled, including Rottweilers, Dobermans, Canary Dogs, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and Bull Mastiffs.

State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Mansor Zakaria said new guidelines were needed to prevent similar incidents."We believe certain breeds identified by the Veterinary Services Department should not be kept as pets in housing areas. These dogs pose a safety risk to neighbours," he told the New Straits Times.



He added that among the proposed measures is a freeze on the issuance of new licences for controlled breeds. Existing licences may also be reviewed if complaints are received.Yesterday, Mansor announced that the state was drafting new regulations to restrict aggressive breeds from residential areas.

Meanwhile, Kedah Veterinary Services Department director Dr Shaharul Amar Talib said the review will refer to the department's existing restricted and banned breed lists.He said some breeds are genetically predisposed to aggression and pose a high risk to public safety, while others are typically trained for military, police or security work."Some of these dogs are obedient and loyal, but they are not meant to be household pets," he said.

In Malaysia, banned breeds include Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Dogo Argentinos, Japanese Tosas, Fila Brasileiros and Akitas.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.