The government of Latvia has supported amendments to the Animal Protection Law, which includes innovations. Now, if your dog bites a person or another animal, you as the owner may be sent for special training.
In 2024, the "Dog Behavior Assessment Commission," established by the Food and Veterinary Service (FVS), assessed 58 dogs and deemed 19 of them dangerous. In the first seven months of 2025, 16 dogs were assessed, of which 8 were recognized as dangerous.
Both representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and non-governmental organizations acknowledge that the current procedures for recognizing a dog as dangerous are ineffective and do not achieve their goals of protecting society and other animals.
It is impossible to verify whether the requirements for keeping a dangerous dog – a red collar, muzzle, and mandatory leash during walks – are being met. The rules for keeping a dangerous dog are ineffective, and training for its owner in obedience, socialization, and safe keeping of the dog is currently lacking.
Therefore, the new amendments, in particular, stipulate that the owner (or keeper) of a dog that has attacked will be required to undergo special training.
The Animal Protection Law also established the following fines:
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for violating the requirements for transporting pets on public transport – up to 250 euros (for legal entities – from 110 to 500 euros);
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for violating transportation rules in a personal vehicle – up to 1750 euros for individuals, from 110 to 1500 euros for legal entities.
"High fines for individuals have caused great outrage in society," the authors of the amendments to the law point out.
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