New dog walking rules in 2019

According to the latest statistics, there are 190,000 pet dogs in Moscow. Until 2019, there was no separate legislation regulating safe dog walking in the Russian Federation: all standards were included in the general Federal Law "Animal Welfare Standards." Since 2019, regulations have been in effect that ensure the safety of both the animal and people nearby, as well as the security of personal and public property.

The new dog walking regulations include changes and additional clauses regarding dog walking areas, the use of safety equipment, and the cleaning and disposal of dog excrement. The list of breeds potentially dangerous to others has been clarified, as well as the system of penalties for violating the rules specified in the legislative regulations.

Content

1 Places permitted for walking dogs
2 Dog walking rules
3 Rules for traveling with a dog
4 Responsibility for violation of dog walking rules

Places permitted for walking dogs

Dogs may be released without a muzzle or leash only within designated fenced areas. Such areas must be marked with a special sign and meet certain requirements:

occupy an area of at least 400 m²;
be located at a distance of at least 40 m from children's and medical institutions, and at least 25 m from residential areas;
have a coating that is recommended to be replaced once a year;
be equipped with devices for collecting excrement - dog boxes.

Beaches, sports and playgrounds, cemeteries, and other public gathering areas are prohibited for walking. Some Russian regions have imposed additional restrictions: for example, in Moscow, children under 12 are prohibited from walking dogs.

Pets are permitted in green spaces, parks, and residential areas, provided that this is permitted by the internal regulations of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation. When walking a dog, a number of standard requirements must be followed to ensure the safety of others.

Dog walking rules

Under the old rules, taking dogs for walks without a muzzle was prohibited. Under the new rules, this is permitted as long as the dog is kept on a short leash. Both the leash and the muzzle are required. required to use for large animals sizes, weighing more than 15 kg and dogs genetically prone to aggression.

The list of dogs genetically determined to be aggressive and dangerous to others includes 69 breeds. These include Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Bulldogs, Shar Peis, German Shepherds, and Caucasian Shepherds. Walking these dogs without safety equipment is permitted only on the owner's property. The walking area must be fenced and have a prominent sign warning of the presence of an aggressive dog.

Dogs must have a tag with the owner's information on their collar so that if the animal gets lost, it can be returned to its owner. New regulations require owners to comply with sanitary standards for maintaining public spaces. To do this, they must carry a scoop and a bag for collecting excrement on walks. Walking dogs near residential buildings at night is prohibited, and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also prohibited from walking a dog.

Rules for traveling with a dog

The new rules regulate the basic requirements for transporting animals:

For transporting small breed dogs, special portable containers should be used.
Large animals must be kept on a leash and muzzled when transporting on public transport. Dogs must be transported in a separate seat, meaning the owner must pay for travel tickets for themselves and their dog.
During the trip, the owner of the animal must have with them a veterinary certificate of form No. 1 and a certificate of the dog’s health (such a certificate is valid for three months and is issued by a veterinarian).

Responsibility for violation of dog walking rules

These rules are established by law, and the pet owner is responsible for violating them. This may result in an administrative penalty, a fine, or criminal liability. Fines depend on the type and severity of the violation, and their amounts may vary slightly in different regions of Russia, as they are approved by local authorities.

In Moscow, starting in 2019, dog owners may be subject to the following fines:

for transporting a dog without a leash and muzzle on public transport - from 500 rubles;
for visiting public places (shops, organizations, libraries, etc.) with a dog without a leash and muzzle - from 1 thousand rubles;
for walking dogs without a leash in unauthorized places (on the territory of a park, children's institution, sports ground) - from 1 thousand rubles;
for contamination of the territory with dog excrement, or damage to green spaces by animals - from 1 thousand rubles;
for walking a dog by a person in an inadequate state - 5 thousand rubles;
For a dog attacking people, even if it does not result in bodily harm - up to 5 thousand rubles.

If the violation is committed again, the fine will be much larger.

Under the new rules, criminal liability is provided for in cases where a dog causes bodily harm to a person if the dog's behavior was provoked by the actions or negligent inaction of the animal's owner.

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