The German Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Julia Klöckner, proposed an ordinance to require dog owners to walk their animals at least twice a day.

Dogs need sufficient physical activity

Julia Klöckner, the German Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection since 2018, wants to see this idea translated into law in the coming months. In Germany, there are 9.4 million registered domestic dogs and very few of them get enough exercise or go for regular walks. She relies on the various scientific studies carried out on the well-being of dogs to argue her idea. According to the studies, dogs need sufficient physical activity and external environmental contact (other dogs, other animals, nature and humans) to develop properly. Thus, the ordinance, named Hundeverordnung, would oblige dog owners to take their dogs out at least twice a day for one hour per walk.

Dogs are not toys

Furthermore, Klöckner reminded us that dogs are not stuffed animals and that they have needs that must be met and taken into account. She also intends to prohibit the attachment of dogs to a chain or leash for a long period of time.

At the moment, the ordinance is expected to come into force as early as next year and is already generating a lot of debate.

What do you think about this new law proposition?

Source : Ouest-France and The Guardian

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