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Dogs can be nice Christmas gifts, but dog owners should understand a dog means a lot of work and a lot of responsibility.
It is common for people to abandon their dog shortly after purchasing it because they realize quickly how challenging it is to own a dog. Because of this, German animal protection laws dictate how to properly keep a dog.
The law says people who own or care for an animal are not allowed to limit the animal’s opportunity for species-specific movement in a way that the animal suffers from pain, diseases or injuries.
“When the USO newcomers’ orientation tour stops at our office, we ask those who have dogs or plan on getting one to grab one of our brochures with all the rules,” said Sissi Kösling from the German-American Community Office in Kaiserslautern.
“In the past, we used to get calls from (home owners) who complain about dogs barking all day long in apartments or houses rented by Americans,” she added. “We contacted them to let them know there is a German animal protection law applicable for all animals kept as pets. We try to solve problems before official authorities take action.”
According to animal protection association officials, a dog should not be left alone for more than five hours without being walked. A dog being kept indoors needs proper exercise and should be taken out for walks several times a day. It is recommended a dog be walked at least one hour total per day. It is also forbidden to chain up the dog within the apartment or keep it locked in a separate room or on balconies.
“Before buying a pet, people should consider the responsibility and the disadvantages of keeping an animal,” Kösling said. “What happens to the pet when the owner goes on leave or deploys? The animal protection law governs the cohabitation of people and pets. An animal is a living being and it’s not there to kill boredom.”
If a dog is found to be at risk, local police and veterinarians work together to remove the dog from the home. Violations of the law may result in a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to €25,000.
Another problem authorities frequently encounter is the way in which owners walk their dogs.
The Weilerbach Department of Public Order receives regular complaints about owners who let their dogs loose in the forests. These loose dogs often chase down wild game and even attack and kill them.
“Two weeks ago, a deer in the nature preservation area ‘Rodenbacher Bruch’ got killed by a dog,” said Michael Brehm from the Department of Public Order in Weilerbach. “Dogs can get unleashed as long as they listen to the owner when being called back.”
Dogs must be automatically put on a leash when other people approach.
“While walking dogs on public streets in housing areas, they must stay on the leash,” Brehm said. “Violators may be punished with fines up to €5,000.”
