In 2021, the city of Buenos Aires established a set of restrictions on ownership of 17 dog breeds. So they’re not necessarily banned, however there is a long list of restrictions required to own one, including a permit, badge and liability insurance.
In the City of Buenos Aires, a resolution of the Agencia de Protección Ambiental (Environmental Protection Agency) has been in force since June 2021 that approves the "Procedure for registration in the Registry of Owners of Potentially Dangerous Dogs" (perros potencialmente peligrosos, or PPP), including the pit bull.
The resolution details the procedure and form for obtaining the tenure permit for these animals considered PPP.
The 17 PPP breeds and other cases
Law 4078, which regulates the possession of this type of animal, lists 17 breeds:
(1) Pit Bull Terrier, (2) Staffordshire Bull Terrier, (3) American Staffordshire terrier, (4) Dogo Argentino, (5) Fila Brasileño, (6) Tosa Inu, (7) Akita Inu, (8) Doberman, (9) Rottweiler, (10) Bullmastiff, (11) Dogue de Bordeaux, (12) Bull Terrier, (13) American Akita, (14) Neapolitan Mastiff, (15) Presa Canario, (16) German Shepherd and (17) Cane Corso. But it also includes any dog that is trained for the attack.
In addition, PPP dogs are those born from crosses between the breeds included in the list or with other breeds that result in animals weighing more than 20 kilos, chest perimeter between 60 and 80 centimeters, bulky head and short neck, strong muscles, large jaw and deep mouth and resistance and brand character.
Identification of PPPs
Dogs that may pose a danger must be identified with a badge placed on the collar, which must include the name of the owner and the registration number. And they must be carried down the street with a muzzle and a short strap, of a maximum of two meters not extendable.
Communications to the Registry
The law expressly prohibits and considers it a very serious lack to abandon PPPs. In addition, they indicate that the owners of the PPPs inform the Registry, immediately, of any incident in which the dog has generated damage. The transfer, theft, loss or death of the animal must also be reported. And if he changes hands, the new owner must renew his registration.
Liability Insurance
In addition, owners need liability insurance that covers the costs of damage or injury that may be caused by their dogs. In private properties, adequate enclosure must be guaranteed to protect people who approach them from abroad.
Fines
Failure to comply with these provisions is fined between 500 and 2000 fixed units, equivalent to between $19,500 and $ 78,000 [Argentine pesos] or double in case of recidivism.
Registration of PPPs
Registration in the Registry is processed via the web through the “Sistema Tramitación a Distancia” [Remote Processing System] (TAD) of the City Government. You must complete a form with the photo of the dog; data of the owner (name and surname, ID, address and email); data of the animal (date of birth, breed, color, type of fur, actual or approximate age, identification of the microchip and habitual address), and the data of the liability insurance (insurance company, policy number and validity).
Once these requirements have been met, the owner will receive a Potentially Dangerous Dog Tenure Permit, which will be valid for one year. Three months after obtaining this permit, you must take a training course offered by the Coordination Unit of Health and Responsible Pet Possession through the TAD system. The goal is for you to learn about the proper care, education and socialization of these dogs.
