Lass uns spazieren gehen

Taking your dog for walks twice a day for at least an hour in total could soon become the law in Germany.

This proposed change have been based on expert advice to ensure animal protection and welfare.

• It is a proposed amendment to Germany’s animal welfare laws that would require that dog owners walk their dogs twice a day for a total of one hour.
• It’s been proposed by food and agriculture minister, Julia Klöeckner, who is proposing the law to be introduced early next year.
• The rules were based on new scientific findings that demonstrate dogs need a lot more exercise and stimulation than they are receiving now (of course this is just in Germany).
• The Dogs Act—would require that the country’s 9.4 million dogs be allowed “outside of a kennel at least twice a day for a total of at least one hour.” So dogs cannot also be left alone at home all day, and a person will be required to take care of their dog “several times a day.”
• If the law passes, a spokeswoman for the agricultural ministry has said the authorities in each of Germany’s 16 states will be responsible for enforcement.

This law is mainly targeted at breeders who will be restricted to looking after a maximum of three litters. Puppies will have to spend a minimum of four hours a day in human company to ensure they get socialised.

But for the dog owner, it is a reminder that exercise and stimulation for dogs is vital for their development. You see a much higher proportion of behavioural problems and aggressive traits in dogs that are cooped up inside and don’t get the necessary exercise, however every dog is different.

“Pets are not cuddly toys,” agriculture minister Julia Klöeckner said. “Their needs have to be considered,” adding that the animals must get sufficient exercise and not be left alone for too long.

In the UK, domestic dogs have the legal right to a suitable environment to live, food, training and behaviour management, and protection against suffering or illness. Owners can be taken to court if they don’t look after their pets properly and face a prison sentence of up to six months, and a fine of up to £20,000. But really never seen it enforced.

“Dog owners have a duty of care to their pets, both to keep their health and to train them to behave and be safe in a public environment,” says Ben McFarlane from ACME Whistles, the world’s leading manufacture of dog whistles. “If you make the decision to become an owner, then you take on the responsibility for that pet, in the same way you care for a child.”

“The vast majority of owners in the UK are driven to do the best by their dogs, properly used aids like whistles can help with behaviour and exercise, allowing pets to safely spend time off the lead. I think this is as much about education before and during ownership of pets, as it is making it an enforceable law.”

World champion gundog trainer, Jason Mayhew, added; “I think the sentiment around Germany’s plans is spot on, …. I work with owners and dogs on a daily basis and, owners in my experience, want to do the right thing by their animals. There will always be a few who are unfit to own animals, and it is right that they are fully held accountable.”

May’s comment: This latest news concerning dog welfare in Germany is astoundingly positive! We have always loved being in Germany with my dogs and now I am in awe that their Government can pass such rules pertaining to dogs welfare.

They definitely have ein Herz für Hunde (a heart for dogs)

Dogs in Germany need to be licensed and are subject to a ‘Hundesteuer‘, dog tax.  These two things themselves makes dog ownership a much more serious act of responsibility.

Also, if this law passes, dog walking is about to be big time business in Germany!