NEARLY 100 DANGEROUS DOGS IN PALMA

SINCE strict legislation came in governing the ownership of dangerous dogs, Palma city council has issued 91 licences to dangerous dog owners, over half for Rottweilers. 79 licences were issued last year and so far this year, 12 applications have been approved.
Over the past 17 months, just 15 applications have been rejected.
However, by comparison to the number of dangerous dogs abandoned since the legislation was changed at the start of last year, the number of licences issued is minor. According to Son Reus dog pound, it has received 474 dangerous dogs, which include Boxers and Labradors, since the start of 2002 while only 77 have been adopted and found a new home. In 2002, 75 Rottweilers alone were given to the pound by owners, along with 44 Pit Bull Terriers, who were not prepared to take out the necessary insurance, which has to cover at least 120'000 euros, and comply with all the rules and regulations of the new legislation. To obtain such a licence, owners have to ensure that they are over 18, no criminal record or history, be physically and mentally able to look after such an animal, have the dog fitted with a microchip and that the pet has not been previously confiscated by the authorities or been involved in any previous incidents. The pet also needs a health certificate and has to be insured.