A brutal attack by a pack of nine dogs on a man in the city of Gabès has brought to light a long-ignored issue in Tunisia: the absence of a clear legal framework regulating the breeding, ownership, and safety of dogs, particularly so-called “dangerous” breeds. The victim, who sustained serious injuries, was rushed to the hospital. The owner of the dogs has been placed in pre-trial detention.
❗ A Troubling legal void
Unlike many countries, Tunisia has no specific law governing dangerous dogs. Article 317 of the Penal Code prohibits animal abuse, but does not address safety obligations or ownership responsibilities. There is no regulation defining restricted breeds or outlining an owner’s liability in the event of an attack.
While Law No. 2005‑95 of October 18, 2005, concerning livestock breeding, sets standards for identification, genealogical registries, and sanitary obligations, it only applies to formal livestock breeding operations, excluding urban contexts and pet dogs. The current framework lacks provisions for urban dog ownership, potential danger classifications, or community safety and coexistence in residential areas.
⚖️ Out of step with International Standards
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OMSA) recommends that countries adopt strict rules on dog ownership, including identification, rabies vaccination, sterilization, and surveillance. These measures aim to prevent both public health risks (such as rabies and other zoonoses) and safety threats.
OMSA guidelines include:
- Mandatory identification (microchip or tattoo)
- Systematic rabies vaccination
- Controlled sterilization
- Ban on illegal or backyard breeding
- Penalties for negligence or aggressive dog behavior
None of these principles are fully implemented in Tunisia—despite its status as a WOAH member since 1956 and its commitment to the regional rabies control program.
🐾 Animal Welfare: Another Silent Victim
While the public safety angle dominates the debate, animal welfare is also a major concern. In the absence of regulation, many dogs are raised in poor conditions—confined in cramped cages, lacking veterinary care and proper socialization. Once aggressive, they are often abandoned, euthanized, or used as guard dogs in unsuitable environments.
Mass dog culling campaigns carried out by local authorities to control stray dog populations are widely criticized by NGOs for being ineffective and cruel. These methods contradict OMSA guidelines, which instead advocate for “One Health” approaches that integrate public health, animal welfare, and environmental considerations.
📢 A Call for Reform
Veterinarians, legal experts, and animal welfare advocates are urging a comprehensive reform to address the issue:
- Development of a domestic animal ownership code, including breed classification, ownership permits, and clearly defined responsibilities.
- Adoption of a national stray dog management plan based on sterilization, vaccination, and identification.
- Establishment of municipal veterinary control structures, in line with international guidelines.
- Integration of animal welfare principles into national law, in accordance with OMSA and public health goals.
🚨 The Gabès Tragedy as a Wake-Up Call
The Gabès incident is a stark warning. Without a clear legal framework, Tunisia risks further attacks and continues to allow practices that violate international animal welfare standards. A bold reform agenda, aligned with OMSA recommendations, is urgently needed to build a society where humans and animals can coexist safely and responsibly.
