Swedish Government Proposes Stricter Regulations on Dangerous Dogs

On September 4, 2025, the Swedish government announced a proposal to tighten regulations on dangerous dogs in response to rising concerns over public safety. Landsbygdsminister Peter Kullgren emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to prevent dog-related injuries, stating, "Irresponsible owners should not be allowed to keep dogs." The initiative aims to empower the länsstyrelserna (County Administrative Boards) to enhance their roles in monitoring dog ownership and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Under the proposed legislation, these county authorities would be granted the authority to inspect private residences and check for compliance with existing dog bans or muzzle requirements. Currently, only police forces possess the power to confiscate dogs, but the new regulations would extend this authority to the länsstyrelserna, allowing for immediate action against non-compliant owners.

This move comes in light of troubling statistics showing that 4,374 individuals were injured due to dog bites last year, a notable increase from 3,553 in 2020. The proposal reflects a response to a previous report from Statskontoret, which indicated that existing measures were insufficient to tackle the issues surrounding dangerous dogs. If implemented as planned, the new regulations would take effect on April 1, 2026, targeting a significant reduction in dog-related injuries and enhancing community safety.