Dog ownership
Dog ownership
The Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) contains various types of liability, including so-called "simple objective" liabilities that arise from a lack of diligence on the part of the person concerned. They relate to specific dangers inherent in certain installations, activities or situations. Under article 56 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO), the keeper of an animal is liable for damage caused by the animal unless he can prove that he kept and supervised it? with all the care required by the circumstances. The concept of animal keeper is to be understood in a broad sense. In Geneva, the law on dogs (LChiens) specifies that the keeper is the person who has effective control over the dog and therefore has the power to decide how it is kept, treated and supervised. It should be noted that minors, i.e. young people under the age of 18, cannot be dog keepers. Under the Dogs Act, if your four-legged friend causes serious damage or behaves in a more aggressive manner than normal, it is your responsibility to report this to the Department of Veterinary Affairs. An investigation will then be carried out, which may result in an administrative measure such as an obligation to follow dog training courses, a ban on bringing the dog into contact with children, a ban on owning a dog, castration or sterilisation of the dog, or even outright euthanasia. It's true that you could be held responsible if your future furry friend causes damage, especially if he bites someone. However, with the right training, this shouldn't happen if you follow the courses given by dog professionals, which are still highly recommended even though they are no longer compulsory. Finally, if your dog is considered dangerous, the conditions for keeping it are much stricter, and you will need to pass a control and behaviour test if this is the type of animal you intend to keep.
