St. Gallen Debates Tighter Rules After Pitbull Attack Sparks Safety Concerns
St. Gallen's cantonal council is debating stricter dog breeds laws after a recent attack involving a Pitbull. A Green Party member, Margot Benz, has put forward a motion calling for tighter controls on certain types of dogs. The proposal has sparked disagreement, with the cantonal government opposing the changes.
The motion follows a Pitbull attack in Altstätten in June 2025. Benz's proposal demands permit requirements for potentially dangerous dog breeds and mandatory training for new dog owners. She argues that stricter rules would improve public safety.
At least seven Swiss cantons already enforce breed-specific bans or permit systems. Thurgau requires permits for 14 breeds, including Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. Zurich has banned Rottweilers from January 2025 and prohibits breeds like Pitbulls and Swiss Champagner Bullies since 2010. Other cantons, such as Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Freiburg, Geneva, and Aargau, also impose restrictions or insurance requirements.
St. Gallen's government rejects the motion, claiming that bite incidents depend more on upbringing than dog breeds. Unlike neighbouring regions, the canton currently has no breed bans or permit rules. Dog owners near Lake Constance already face different leash laws and restrictions depending on which canton they live in.
The cantonal council's vote on the motion remains undecided.
If passed, the new rules would introduce permit requirements and training courses for dog owners in St. Gallen. The outcome will determine whether the canton aligns with stricter policies seen in other regions. For now, the government maintains that current regulations are sufficient.
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