In Germany, It Will Be Mandatory To Walk The Dogs Twice A Day
For people who have dogs in their household and treat them equally, this news can be strange. Still, many pets don’t get enough exercise on a daily basis. With the interest of animal welfare in mind, Germany decided that it will be mandatory to walk the dogs twice a day from the year 2021.
Many German dogs never leave the house or just walk around the block. This law, in addition, will take into account other canine sufferings, such as loneliness or being stuck on a leash all day.
German law making dog walking mandatory
The new law to be made public in Germany in 2021 will specify how often guardians must walk their dogs on a daily basis.
The new regulation was proposed by the minister of Agriculture of the country, Julia Klöckner, based on scientific studies that show that dogs need a sufficient amount of activities and stimuli, both environmental and social.
Evidence shows that many of the 9.4 million German dogs do not get enough physical or mental exercise. For this reason, the Hundeverordnung or Canine Law will prevent tutors from doing what they want and just taking a short walk around the building.
However, how to make or verify that these tutors not used to walking with their pets will do that from now on? According to a ministry spokeswoman, it will be up to each German state to enforce the law as soon as it is enacted.
Other Dog Law Details
In addition to being mandatory to walk the dogs twice a day, these walks cannot last less than an hour.
The law also makes reference to the fact that many dogs spend many hours alone throughout the day, not just because of the tutor’s working hours. From the moment the law becomes effective, this issue will also be regulated.
That way, if a guardian has to leave their dog for more than eight hours, someone will have to visit him. Another of the articles of that law goes in the same direction: it will be prohibited to leave a dog on a leash for more than a very specific and brief period of time.
A controversial debate
After the news, there was a debate that some newspapers call “lively”, an imprecise title when talking about animal welfare. In fact, from within the minister’s own party, a deputy named Saskia Ludwig tweeted the following:
When it comes to the welfare of dogs, it’s not okay to keep them indoors for days, not even when you have a backyard. Dogs need new stimuli that make them develop their sense of smell and keep them mentally active.
Likewise, dogs that have received a correct education and know how to communicate with other dogs and humans must continue to work in this direction. Those who, on the other hand, have not been so lucky should be able to improve and learn.
If we deprive the dogs of some good walks, not only in the neighborhood or the nearest park, but also in the fields, we will not be offering these animals all the well-being they deserve. As Klöckner said:
People exempt from complying with the new law?
So far, it is not known if there will be people who will not have to comply with the law, although common sense can give us some clues. For example, a man commented that his 14-year-old dog with cancer could not walk as much because of his medical condition.
Any veterinarian will agree that dogs need to get out for daily exercise and, in addition, that exercise should be quality exercise.
However, obviously, if an animal has any pathology that makes walking difficult or causes fatigue, it cannot be forced, as it would also be a form of abuse.
Unfortunately, due to the misbehavior of some guardians, laws like this one that promote the welfare of pets are necessary, as are regulations on abandonment, physical abuse and other types of harm to animals.
Laws that enhance the safety and welfare of dogs and other animals should always be welcomed.
