Section 32: Obligations of dog owners

32. Obligations of dog owners (1) Every owner of a dog shall ensure that the dog does not — (a) injure or intimidate any person, or endanger any poultry, domestic animal or protected wildlife; or (b) damage any property belonging to any other person. (2) Every owner of a dog shall — (a) cause the premises on which the dog is kept to be secured by a fence, wall or gate which is of a suitable height and constructed and maintained in such manner as to prevent the dog from escaping; (b) not allow the dog to be at large, except when confined within a vehicle or cage, or on leash; (c) where the dog is of a breed, kind or description listed in the Fourth Schedule, cause it to be neutered; (d) where the dog is a dangerous dog — (i) cause to be displayed in a conspicuous place on his premises, a notice, in such form as the Council may approve, indicating that there is a dangerous dog on the premises; and (ii) not, without the written consent of the DVS, dispose of the dog. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) (b), every owner of a dangerous dog shall ensure that the dog is — (a) muzzled in such a manner as to prevent it from biting any person, domestic animal or any other dog; [Issue 6] A17A – 16 Revised Laws of Mauritius (b) under the effective control of at least one person who is aged 16 or above by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash that is attached to the dog and held by, or secured to, that person; and (c) not left alone at any time. (4) Any person who contravenes this section shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 10,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months. (5) Where a person contravenes this section, an authorised officer may — (a) seize the dog and remove it from the person’s possession; and (b) retain custody of the dog until the DVS is satisfied that the person agrees to comply with subsection (1), (2) or (3), or to dispose of the dog within a period of one month.