Accident at the dog park

Accident at the dog park

The canton of Geneva has set up areas of freedom specifically for our four-legged friends, i.e. places where dogs can run around all year round without a lead and under the control of the person accompanying them.As we discussed in these columns at the beginning of last month, when it comes to the education and keeping of dogs in Geneva, it is important to be aware of the provisions of the cantonal law on dogs and its implementing regulations, which require any keeper of such an animal to have the appropriate equipment to control it at all times, as well as third-party liability insurance. According to Article 15 of the said regulations, dogs may be allowed to roam freely in all areas identified for this purpose, provided they are under the control and responsibility of their keeper. It is imperative to bear in mind that the owner is bound by a number of obligations, in particular to take all necessary precautions to ensure that the dog cannot escape, injure, threaten or pursue the public, or even harm its environment, whatever it may be.To ensure that the dog adopts sociable behaviour and poses no danger to either the public or other animals, the owner is expected to educate it accordingly. In this context, it is important to note that under article 28 of the Dogs Act, owners of so-called "large dogs" must register their animal with a dog trainer before it reaches the age of 18 months, in order to take and pass a control and behaviour test. It follows that the owner of a dog is responsible for any damage caused by it, since by definition he must control it in all circumstances. However, whether you're dealing with a little pug or a big, placid hound, you must remember that an animal's reactions can sometimes be unexpected. Their owners should not hesitate to advise anyone who is a little too adventurous to adopt appropriate behaviour, as a precautionary measure.