August 20, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

German Agriculture Minister, Julia Kloeckner, introduces a new law based on evidence that many of 9.4 million dogs are not getting sufficient exercise. Under the new dogs' act, regulations in the Hundeverordnung, owners will be required to take their dogs out for at least one hour on each occasion to walk their pets or run in the garden twice a day.

Almost one in five German homes owns a dog. German Shepherd and short-legged, long-bodied Dachshund, also known as sausage dogs, are Germany's 2 most popular breeds, followed by Labradors, Retrievers, and Jack Russell Terriers and pugs.

    
Then there is the question of enforcing the new rule. The ministry has said the 16 federal states will be responsible for enforcing the rule, but it is unclear how.

Photo:Webshot.