Starting January 1, 2025, the canton of Zurich will ban the acquisition of new Rottweilers, adding them to a list of prohibited dog breeds alongside Pitbulls and Bull Terriers.

This decision follows incidents where children were severely injured by Rottweiler bites.

Current owners must obtain permits and pass behavior tests for their dogs.

However, the ban has sparked significant opposition.

The Swiss Rottweiler Club and Zurich Dog Association have filed legal complaints, arguing the ban is disproportionate and advocating for stricter training requirements instead.

Critics, including dog trainers and police handlers, emphasize that a dog's behavior depends on its upbringing, not its breed.

A petition against the ban has already gathered over 12,000 signatures, highlighting widespread resistance to the new law.