The Local Administration Committee of the House of Representatives during its meeting on Tuesday criticized the government’s delay in issuing the executive regulations of the Law Regulating the Possession of Dangerous Animals and Dogs, issued under #29 of 2023.
The meeting raised sharp questions about the reasons for this delay, which exceeded the legal period specified by six months.
The head of the committee, MP Ahmed al-Sajini, said: “How can the President of the Republic ratify a law and have it officially published in 2023, and its executive regulations have not been issued, as we are now approaching the year 2025?”
He warned that this delay may constitute a constitutional violation that requires accountability, adding that the committee understands the challenges facing the government, but demands clarification of the actual steps taken to implement the law.
Law No. 29 of 2023 was issued with the aim of regulating the process of possessing dogs and dangerous animals, and protecting society from the potential dangers that these animals may cause.
The law includes a set of provisions that regulate the licensing process, identifying animals, and ensuring control over dogs while accompanying them in public places.
Prohibiting possession without a license
The law prohibits the possession of animals without obtaining an official license from the competent Veterinary Medicine Directorate. To obtain a license, it is required to adhere to the procedures specified in the executive regulations, to ensure that the appropriate conditions for owning the pet are met.
Creating records for registering dogs
The law obliges Veterinary Medicine Directorates to create electronic or paper records to register licensed dogs. These records include:
- Name of the holder and their place of residence.
- Data, description and distinguishing marks of the dog.
- Periodic vaccinations received by the dog.
- Identification mark of the dog.
Each licensed dog owner is issued an identification tag bearing its serial number, which must be permanently attached to the dog’s neck. If the tag is lost, it must be replaced immediately at an additional cost.
The law also allows for the use of modern technological means to identify licensed dogs.
The law requires dog owners to use a muzzle and a suitable collar when taking the dog outside its shelter, while ensuring that the dog’s owner is at least 18 years old, to ensure complete control over the animal.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
