The Egyptian government has amended its list of prohibited dog breeds, allowing the licensing of 16 previously banned breeds, following a cabinet decision backed by the Ministry of Agriculture on Monday.
The decree by Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk, published in the Official Gazette, reduces the list of banned “dangerous” dog breeds from 19 to just three: the Fila Brasileiro, the South African Boerboel, and the Presa Canario.
The General Organization For Veterinary Services, which conducted a review of the law, recommended easing restrictions on breeds previously classified as dangerous. As a result, 16 breeds have been reclassified as licensable under specific conditions. These include the Pit Bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Boxer, Husky, Caucasian Shepherd, Bullmastiff, Doberman, Alaskan Malamute, Great Dane, Akita, American Bully, Alabai, Cane Corso, Argentine Dogo, and Tosa Inu.
Owners must meet several criteria to obtain a license, including being at least 18 years old. The law requires all licensed dogs to be registered with the veterinary authority, which is mandated to maintain electronic or paper records with serial numbers. These records must detail the dog's description, vaccinations, and the owner's personal information.
Under a related executive regulation issued April 23, dog owners must regularize their status within one year. Violating the licensing law carries fines ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 Egyptian pounds (around $199 to $9972).
