PSP and GNR are expected to start certifying trainers and training dangerous dog keepers by the end of the second quarter of this year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) announced today.

Although the ordinance came into effect in 2015,  the Public Security Police and the National Republican Guard, responsible for certification and training, have not started courses due to lack of funding.

However as the funding was approved in January this year the GNR explained that “the start of certification of trainers and the training of potentially dangerous dog keepers is expected soon, and this date will be announced by DGAV (Directorate General of Food and Veterinary) “.

The MAI states that a technical group was created that brought together elements of the PSP, GNR and DGAV to define the technical standards applicable to the certification of trainers and the training program of the holders of dangerous dogs.

According to the MAI, this technical group “has recently completed work”, which will now allow “operationalizing the certification of trainers and the training of the holders”.

“PSP and GNR will begin training and certification soon after DGAV’s approval of the training and certification program for technical standards, which is expected to happen by the end of the second quarter of this year,” says MAI.

Under the law, the GNR and PSP are the competent authorities to certify dangerous dog trainers. In addition to certifying who will be able to train these dogs, the two entities “should also provide the required training to the holders of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs,” according to the ordinance published in 2015.

Data released by the GNR indicate that there were 65 attacks of by dangerous dogs so far this year, down from the same period last year, when 71 attacks were reported. In 2016 GNR registered a total of 235 attacks and 284 casualties.