New rules for dog owners have been in effect since January 1, 2022. How long does the dog have to go out for a walk? What needs to be considered when looking after and keeping them and what are the restrictions in breeding? We took a look at the new Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance.
The Germans love their pets and especially during the pandemic, the four-legged friends collected a few popularity points again – many bought a dog while working from home and short-time work seemed to be enough time. Around 12.27 million dogs currently live in German households. In order to better protect the keeping and breeding of the animals, stricter laws have now been passed. Here is an overview of the new rules.
Walkie duty
A dog needs sufficient outdoor exercise appropriate to the species. That means outside of your own home and certainly outside of a kennel. Unfortunately, a duration of the walk was not specified as in the draft bill. There it was still said: “A dog is allowed to exercise outside at least twice a day for a total of at least one hour […] to grant.”
It is important to respond to the needs of the dog. A walk through the park is not enough for most dogs. Many need mental exercise, want to learn and discover new things. There must always be a balance, then a day on the couch with short walks is also possible.
attitude
Dogs (in rooms) must be allowed to look outside, being tied down is strictly prohibited – but only from January 1, 2023. In this case, rooms mean sheds or barns. Dogs are sensitive and social animals, they need to be close to other creatures, they don’t necessarily have to be other dogs, for domesticated pets humans are often enough.
The problem: Dogs can still be kept in kennels. The animal protection organization “Peta” now fears that many dogs will switch from tethering to kennel keeping. But even that is not species-appropriate for the animals. They need a loving home with lots of exercise and attention.
Commercial dog breeding
In the future, a caregiver may look after a maximum of three litters at the same time. A tip: A reputable breeder usually has no more than one litter at a time in order to be able to look after them optimally. Breeding should be about love for the animals or breed, not profit. Breeding itself is criticized again and again, but it is important not to lump all breeders together. There are very loving breeders who ensure optimal socialization of the little ones. But maybe you could also think about looking around the animal shelter for a four-legged friend.
handling puppies
At least four hours daily contact with puppies is to be ensured. This is to ensure better socialization of the puppies with people and other dogs. The whelping box must have a minimum temperature of 18 degrees.
dog training
Spiked collars or other painful devices are prohibited. There was a report on this subject when the law was introduced, which surprised many: 49 of the 130 police dogs in Berlin were not allowed to take part in operations for the time being. Painful remedies are banned and the police dogs can no longer work – why? The so-called police guard dogs are trained and guided with collars that can cut off their breath for a short time. This is the only way they can usually end a dog’s targeted attack on a perpetrator.
torment breeding traits
An exhibition ban applies to dogs that show signs of torturous breeding. This prohibition applies not only to pure breed shows, but to all events at which an assessment, test or comparison of dogs takes place. This includes, for example, breeding management tests and dog sport events. The already prevailing ban on showing dogs that have been amputated in violation of animal welfare will also be extended to such events. This includes, among other things, copied tails.
Cruelty breeding is an extreme overbreeding of animals, which means that the life of these animals is only possible to a limited extent. The cause of tormented breeding: People find certain trends attractive. Short-headed dogs such as the Pug, the French bulldog, the Cavalier King Charles or the Pekingese are currently suffering from the bizarre trends. What these breeds have in common: big eyes, flat nose, round head (the so-called “little child pattern”), clumsy legs, a stocky, square body and, in many, the “characteristic” rattle.
This rattle is by no means part of this breed. It is an indication that the animal is suffering from shortness of breath. There are a lot of supposedly funny videos of Pugs or French Bulldogs sleeping sitting up, sometimes even in a Buddha posture, rife on the internet – a clear sign that the dog is otherwise suffocating. Short-headed dogs are the only ones who don’t go crazy with the tube stuck in their throat after surgery, it’s often the first time they’ve been able to breathe properly.
Cruel breeding traits are still too vaguely formulated in the new dog ordinance. Because the so-called Merle gene also leads to sometimes serious diseases in dogs. This is a certain coloring of the coat, which occurs mainly in collie breeds, but is now being crossed into all possible breeds – why? Because people think it’s beautiful. If you mate two dogs that carry the gene, there is a high probability that at least 50 percent of the puppies will be born blind, deaf, or dead.
Sources used: rnd.de, mopo.de, peta.de, tierschutzbund.de, tierrecht-anwalt.de