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The Weilerbach Department of Public Order keeps getting complaints about pet owners walking their dogs on public streets, squares, parks and playgrounds and not picking up and disposing after them.
“It should be common sense that children’s playgrounds and public parks cannot be used as dog toilets,” said Michael Brehm from the Department of Public Order in Weilerbach. “Dog poop can transfer bacteria and germs, which cause the risk of getting sick for playing children and those taking care of the areas.”
The Weilerbach and all other community offices have free dog waste bags for owners.
Union community administration offices released a danger prevention ordinance, which regulates the walking of dogs inside and outside of towns. Dogs must be kept on a leash while on public streets in housing areas. In all other areas, dogs must be put on a leash when other people approach. Violators may be punished with fines up to €5,000.
The animal protection law also determines how to properly keep a dog. The law says people keeping, caring or having to 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.
“The main mistake Americans make is to keep dogs in a crate all day long,” said Claudia Beavers-Rapp from the German-American Community Office.
Vigilant neighbors inform the Department of Public Order of this kind of animal abuse.
“Department of Public Order officials ask us at GACO to please try to reach these American pet owners to let them know that there is a German animal protection law applicable for all animals kept as pets,” Mrs. Beavers-Rapp said. “We try to solve problems before official authorities take action.”
According to animal protection association officials, a dog should not stay alone without being walked for more than five hours. A dog being kept indoors needs proper exercise and should be taken out for walks several times a day. Recommended is at least one hour total per day. It is not allowed to chain up the dog within the apartment or keep it locked in a separate room.
“Before buying a pet, people should consider the responsibility and the disadvantages of keeping an animal,” said Sissi Kösling, GACO employee.
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,” Mrs. Kösling said.
Some people also incorrectly keep their dogs on balconies, in basement rooms and bathrooms.
If a dog is at risk, police get with the official veterinarian and they both get the dog out of its miserable condition. Violations of the law might result in a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to €25,000.
“Another problem people make us aware of is the loud barking of dogs all day long,” Mr. Brehm said. “This is a noise protection concern.”
Pets shouldn’t bark and whine during quiet hours: 1 to 3 p.m. and
10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Outside these hours, dog owners must ensure that dog
noises do not last longer than 10
consecutive minutes (or more than 30 minutes cumulatively per day).
