Mozambique bans import of 26 dangerous dog breeds

Naste, a male dog belonging to Sami reindeer herder Nils Mathis Sara, 65, eats a reindeer hoof outside the cabin near Geadgebarjavri up on the Finnmark plateau, Norway, March 13, 2024. A planned 54-km (34-mile) power line to supply Western Europe's largest liquefied natural gas plant will be built on pastures reindeer herders use in summer, in coastal areas where they say towns, cabins, roads, existing power lines and other infrastructure have already encroached on the land they use. "We cannot afford to lose more summer pastures," said Sara, whose herd graze between May and October in the area where the line is due to be built this summer. "We have nothing else to give away." REUTERS/Lisi Niesner SEARCH "NIESNER REINDEER NORWAY" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Source: REUTERS

Authorities in Mozambique have banned the importation of dog breeds considered dangerous in the country.

The ban affects 26 breeds including rottweilers, Boerboels, bull terriers, pit bulls, bullmastiffs, and German shepherds.

The decision made by the Ministry of Agriculture aims to address the increasing number of dog attacks in the country. These attacks have resulted in severe injuries, amputations, and even fatalities, reports the BBC.

In the first half of 2023, Mozambique reported around 9,000 instances of dog attacks which is a reduction of 21% from 2022.

However, certain exceptions are in place. Dogs used by public security agencies, private security firms, and those involved in rescue and emergency services are exempt from the ban.

The ministry has also mandated that all banned breeds already present in the country, as well as their crossed breeds, must be registered with authorities within 60 days.

Guide dogs and companion animals for individuals with disabilities are also not affected by the ban.

Believe Domor