As a dog owner, it’s important for you to know that there are rules about where your dog is allowed to be and how it is allowed to behave.
You are responsible for what your dog does when it is in a public place. Your dog must never run loose without control, no matter how well trained it is. You must make sure it does not disturb or scare people or other animals. If your dog injures someone or damages something, you may be liable for compensation.
Dogs are completely prohibited in certain places, such as:
- Playgrounds
- Areas built for play or sports, such as ball fields, skate parks or similar
- Cemeteries
- Public bathing areas (this may apply only at certain times)
Another important reason to keep your dog on a leash is that loose dogs run a much higher risk of being injured. Loose dogs are more often hit by cars and can also be injured in fights with other dogs, or injure other dogs.
Also think about wildlife. The Hunting Act and Hunting Ordinance contain rules that apply to dogs. Between 1 March and 20 August, dogs must be supervised in such a way that they are prevented from running loose in areas where there is game. This does not mean the dog must necessarily be on a leash; it is sufficient if the dog is under such reliable control that it behaves as if it were on a leash. Violations can result in fines. During the rest of the year, you must ensure that dogs do not chase or pursue wild animals when they are not taking part in hunting.
In fenced dog parks, dogs are allowed to play and run off-leash together with other dogs.
The following rules apply in dog parks:
- Your dog must be healthy when visiting the dog park
- If there are other dogs in the park, you must first ask if it is okay to bring your own dog in
- You let your dog off-leash at your own risk
- Dog parks must not be used as toilets. Preferably walk your dog and let it relieve itself before entering the park
- Throw all trash in the bin provided next to the dog park
- It is not permitted to use the dog park for organized training courses that exclude individual dog owners
