In late 2023, an 11-month-old baby was bitten in the face by an Amstaff, and in early 20254, a ten-year-old boy was bitten on the arm.
In September, Fredrik Kärrholm, a moderate member of the Riksdag, put forward a motion in the Riksdag to ban the breeding and importation of fighting dogs.
- I love dogs and have a Bichon Frize myself at home, but dogs can be dangerous and some types of dogs are more dangerous than others, says Fredrik Kärrholm (M).
"There are no statistics"
The number of people treated in hospital for dog-related injuries has increased from 3,754 in 2018 to 4,302 people in 2022. But the numbers are misleading, says Janina Pfalzer, who is press officer at the Swedish Kennel Club, because the numbers show all types of accidents where dogs are involved.
- So it's not bite attacks, there are no such statistics, she says.
A ban on, for example, the American Staffordshire terrier, or Amstaff, would not work because the dogs are often mixed breeds, according to Janina Pfalzer.
- How can we ban something we don't know what it is?, she says.
But according to Fredrik Kärrholm (M), there is research that shows that a ban reduces serious attacks.
- What is interesting is looking at deaths and serious dog attacks, he says.
Instead, the Swedish Kennel Club wants to have control over the breeding and that this type of event should accompany the dog and not the owner.
The EU Commission has a proposal for a mandatory dog register, something that the Swedish Kennel Club is in favor of.
- Dog breeders should be registered so that we can keep track of them, says Janina Pfalzer.
Hear part of the debate from Morgonstudion in the video above.