The Ministry of Interior has released comprehensive guidelines on dog ownership and care that carry penalties of up to one month in prison a fine exceeding 30 dinars or both for any violations. Issued in coordination with other authorities the rules seek to bolster public safety protect animal welfare and preserve hygiene in residential districts and shared spaces according to an announcement distributed through the Government Communication Center. Dog owners must now secure official licenses and equip their pets with collars bearing metal identification tags that display the assigned registration numbers at all times.
All dogs require health examinations at approved veterinary facilities along with mandatory rabies vaccinations and subsequent annual booster shots the ministry stated. When walked on public roads pavements or in open areas the animals must stay leashed and fitted with muzzles to minimize risks to passersby and other pets. Owners are also obligated to report any suspected or confirmed rabies infection immediately to a veterinary center and must follow proper procedures for disposal of affected animal remains.
These directives update and reinforce regulations dating back to the 1960s that first required licensing through health authorities medical screenings rabies immunization and visible identification tags a system highlighted again during a stray dog control initiative in April 2025. Under the earlier framework unlicensed or improperly equipped dogs faced impoundment with owners required to pay retrieval fees while annual vaccinations remained compulsory. The current measures add defined legal sanctions to encourage broader compliance across the expatriate and citizen populations that keep pets in urban households.
The Government Communication Center emphasized that adherence to licensing identification and veterinary standards remains essential for community health and responsible ownership. Local veterinary centers have been designated to handle examinations vaccinations and registration procedures facilitating easier access for owners seeking to meet the requirements without delay. Monitoring of public areas will continue to ensure dogs appearing without the mandated tags or muzzles are addressed according to the established protocols.
The identification tag obligation in particular has drawn attention in local coverage often encapsulated by the phrase “no tag no wag” to underscore that untagged dogs should not be walked in public spaces. This approach aligns with longstanding efforts to reduce stray animal incidents and maintain order in neighborhoods where pet ownership has increased over recent decades. Residents unable to sustain proper care are directed to contact emergency services at 112 rather than abandon animals in public locations.
