Germans must walk their dogs twice a day, new law will say

[Eugene]

Source: The Guardian

Germans must walk their dogs twice a day, new law will say

Minister to introduce law next year to ensure nation’s 9.4 million dogs get enough exercise

Kate Connolly in Berlin
Published on Wed 19 Aug 2020 13.56 BST

Germany’s dog owners will soon to be ordered by law to walk their pets twice a day.

The country’s agriculture minister, Julia Klöckner, has said she is introducing the new law based on evidence that many of the nation’s 9.4 million dogs are not getting the exercise or stimuli they need.

Under the new regulations in the Hundeverordnung, or Dogs Act, owners will not get away with a quick jog round the block, but will be required to take their dogs out for at least one hour on each occasion.

Klöckner said the rules were based on new scientific findings that show dogs need a “sufficient measure of activity and contact with environmental stimuli”, including other animals, nature and people. The tethering of dogs on a chain or a lead for long periods also faces an all-out ban.

Dogs may not be left alone at home all day, and a person will be required to take care of their dog “several times a day”.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/19/germans-must-walk-their-dogs-twice-a-day-new-law-will-say

[Laelth]

1. Wow! That's impressive.

We can’t even get most Americans to wear a mask to protect us from a deadly disease. No way we could effectively order people to walk their dogs twice a day.



-Laelth

[get the red out]

2. Can dog owners have jobs?

I am hoping I'm not a bad dog owner, but I have to work to pay for everything, which includes dog care.

I come home for lunch to let them out into the yard, and I'm lucky to be able to do that!!! I love my dogs more than I can put into words, but if I lived in Germany I guess I wouldn't be allowed to have them.

And neither of my dogs should be walked two hours a day. My girl is a senior and my boy has bilateral hip dysplasia (he is only four). The Vet has told me not to walk him all that long per day, and I am being cautious with my girl.

And walking isn't the only way for dogs to stimulate their brains, there are a LOT of games you can play with them when walking isn't feasible. I like to put a scent on something and teach them to find it. Mine will push a big yoga ball (part of the hip stretches) do a few tricks. Many things can keep them content.

I wonder if a German Grandma who can't walk 2 hours a day would get her Pekingese taken away?

I guess they also have a plan for what to do when the shelters fill up?

[katmondoo]

3. N. Korea is forbidding all pets. They will sell them to Restaurants as dog food for people is legal

UGG!!!!!!

[JustAnotherGen]

4. Not fair to small breed owners

I have a Maltese - he simply does not need a 1 hour walk.

My brother in law and sister in law in Germany just brought home a puppy Yorkie.


I hope she accounts for breed personality and exercise levels. An hour a day PLUS another 20/30 minute walk would be abusive to any Maltese.

American Maltese Rescue Association might have to start sending airlifts to Germany the way we do South Korea!

[customerserviceguy]

5. Will this count?

[sandensea]

6. Basset owners should be exempted

[Laelth]

7. LOL.

That is such a dumb, slow, bullheaded, lazy, needy, and utterly lovable dog. I think Basset owners deserve the recommended exemption.



-Laelth

[sandensea]

8. That's them.

Their policy is: If I don't feel like it, it ain't happening.

You never forget them though.

[Laelth]

9. No. You can't forget them.

And you can’t help but love them. Look at that face!



-Laelth