In future, a dog’s right to exercise could be enshrined in German law. That’s if a new draft ordinance issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is passed. The law also seeks to improve conditions during the transportation of farm animals.

New rules for dog owners, breeders and farm animals in Germany

According to the draft regulation, which was seen by the German newspaper Rheinische Post, in future dog owners will have to ensure that their animals are walked at least twice a day, for a total of one hour. They will no longer be permitted to leave their dogs home alone all day or keep them chained up outside; a carer will need to check in on the animal “several times a day”.

Further rules will also apply specifically to dog breeders. The draft law stipulates that breeders be allowed to look after no more than three bitches with puppies at the same time. There will also be new regulations regarding the size and temperature of whelping boxes. 

Shows with dogs that have been overbred to such an extent that they are in pain or no longer able to “behave appropriately” will be banned, as will those featuring animals whose body parts (such as ears or tail) have been “completely or partially amputated” in a manner contrary to animal welfare. 

For farm animals, the new law stipulates that livestock transports within Germany may not exceed four and a half hours if the animals are directly exposed to temperatures of more than 30 degrees.

Animals need movement and environmental stimuli

The draft law cites “new scientific knowledge about the needs of dogs” as a justification for the stricter rules. Accordingly, animals should be given “a sufficient degree of movement and contact with environmental stimuli.” Federal Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner said, “Pets are not cuddly toys.”

When asked how the new laws will be enforced, especially for private dog owners, a spokesperson for the Agriculture Ministry said that the federal states would be responsible - but that they certainly wouldn’t be ringing the doorbell of every dog owner to check up on them. The law is primarily targeting those who keep their dogs outside in kennels. The draft now needs to be coordinated with the 16 federal states and professional associations.