German dog owners 'must walk their pets twice a day under new law'

Evidence shows German dogs were not being walked enough
AFP via Getty Images
Luke O'Reilly19 August 2020

A new law will require German dog owners to walk their pets twice a day, it has been reported.

Under the Dogs Act, owners will have to take their dogs for two walks of at least one hour's duration each day, according to The Guardian.

The new legislation was introduced by the country's agriculture minister Kulia Klöckner based on evidence that many of Germany's 9.4 million dogs are not getting enough exercise.

The tethering of dogs on a chain or lead for extended period will also be banned.

Ms Klöckner said: “Dogs are not cuddly toys. They also have their own needs, which need to be taken into account.”

An agricultural ministry spokeswoman said each of Germany’s 16 states' authorities will be responsible for enforcing the law.

However, the new legislation has prompted criticism in Germany, which is currently in the midst of a heatwave.

Even members of Ms Klöckner's own party, the Christian Democratic Union, have spoken out against the legislation.

CDU MP Saskia Ludwig tweeted: “VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE: I will not be taking my Rhodesian Ridgeback for two rounds of walks in 32 degrees heat, rather we will jump in the river for a refreshing cool down instead.”

Walther Schweiz, whose 14-year-old Alsatian has cancer and can only walk short distances, told The Guardian that the government needs to let people live their own lives.

“They should trust people to get on with their own lives," he said.

"They’ll be telling cat owners how often they need to change their litter trays next."