Dog keeping rules in various coutries

[GalomyOak]

In the US, each town or city makes it's own laws about dogs. In some cases, states also make laws about dogs - federal law only requires that dogs being imported be vaccinated for rabies, or be maintained at the owner's home until the dog is old enough to be vaccinated (this is rarely enforced though, unless the puppy bites someone or causes some other problem).

Each town is different - some ban "muscle dogs", and also rottweilers, dobermans, etc. Some states or towns ban the ownership of wolf hybrids - so far there have been no problems with CSVs that have not been solved by the FSS/AKC registration papers (to my knowledge). Some places have laws requiring leashes - others do not. Many times in rural areas (such as the area I live in) the laws do not require hunting dogs, or dogs being trained, to have a leash. All towns/cities require dogs to display a metal license (which can be obtained for a $5-10 fee, less for altered dogs - and also a rabies certificate). All towns/cities require the owner to clean up after the dog.

If a dog bites someone, it may be deemed a dangerous or vicious dog, and have to follow very strict rules (if it is not euthanized). Those laws require the owner to carry insurance on the dog, to wear a muzzle and leash when out in public, and to be housed in a building with a fence that can not be jumped over, opened, or dug out - it must also be locked. The license for these dogs is more expensive, and there is a public record (anyone can view it), saying who owns the dog, a description of the dog, and the address.

Dogs usually may not ride on public transport (except for airplanes). They may not enter facilities with food, or in most stores. There are large pet stores, and some independent stores that will allow dogs in - if the dog bites someone, the store may have to pay the victim. These laws do not apply to dogs for the blind - they may enter anywhere at any time.

It's required that all dogs be given shelter from sun, rain, wind, etc...but they may live outside. In some places, it is illegal to leave a dog on a chain, but again, this is usually not enforced. The dog must have food, water, and proper medical care. It may not bother the neighbors with barking or howling.

Just as in Rolf's post, apartments may prohibit all dogs, or certain dogs (such as breed or size), and they may charge an extra fee for allowing pets (cats included). If you own a home, your homeowner's insurance may ban certain breeds, or charge extra because of the "risk" of certain breeds.

Very interesting post!

Marcy

[Chance]

Originally Posted by wildenmorgen

In the US, each town or city makes it's own laws about dogs. In some cases, states also make laws about dogs....

Marcy

If you are part of a homeowners association, such as myself, they also sometimes apply limitations/rules such as number of dogs you may have, ours is 2. (We have 3)

It seems to be, for the most part, that so long as you take care of the animal and it is not disruptive and/or harmful to yourself or others you won't have a problem.


(P.S. You could also wear sunglasses and carry a cane wherever you go )

[Vaiva]

Originally Posted by Chance

If you are part of a homeowners association, such as myself, they also sometimes apply limitations/rules such as number of dogs you may have, ours is 2. (We have 3)

It seems to be, for the most part, that so long as you take care of the animal and it is not disruptive and/or harmful to yourself or others you won't have a problem.


(P.S. You could also wear sunglasses and carry a cane wherever you go )

You see, it is similar in Lithuania. I should walk my dog with a muzzle, but I don't. People have to gather their dog's shit - but a lot of people don't. And of course they can own two dogs or two cats or a cat and a dog in a flat (and litters till 4 months), but they have much more of them (also nobody counts boas, iguanas, ferrets, rabits, big parrots etc.) Still, even if nobody is against you keeping 3 () chihuahuas in a 100 square meters flat, you are a transgressor So I do not want to be one

[draggar]

Originally Posted by GalomyOak

Dogs usually may not ride on public transport (except for airplanes). They may not enter facilities with food, or in most stores. There are large pet stores, and some independent stores that will allow dogs in - if the dog bites someone, the store may have to pay the victim. These laws do not apply to dogs for the blind - they may enter anywhere at any time.

To expand a little more - not just "seeing eye dogs" but all service dogs (dogs that help people live and get around - hearing ear dogs, seizure alert dogs, mobility assistance, etc..) like what Zorro does and what Luna will be trained to do. Despite what their owners think, "therapy" dogs and emotional support dogs are not considered service dogs.

But - even if it is a service dog, if it is causing a disturbance (excessive barking, messing, biting, pooing etc..) then the establishment does have the right to ask the owner to leave with the dog.

The state of Florida actually banned breed specific legislation (Miami-Dade was grandfathered in with their pit bull ban) but it is under the threat of being removed form the law allowing municipalities to ban breeds as they see fit (yes, I'm going to fight this).

[Vaiva]

Well, some good news
In Vilnius (capital of Lithuania) dogs still have to wear muzzles. BUT, the dogs, who pass a special socialization test (walking on leash, recall, testing dog's behaviour in city among people, cars and so on) can be walked without that stupid thing - muzzle So seems like Brukne is the first (?) wolfdog here to pass this test. We got a little yellow card with her and my name on it and finally can LEGALLY walk in Vilnius without a muzzle!!! It is such a relief and such a good feeling
(bigmouth tinhorn )

[Rona]

Originally Posted by Vaiva

Well, some good news
So seems like Brukne is the first (?) wolfdog here to pass this test. We got a little yellow card with her and my name on it and finally can LEGALLY walk in Vilnius without a muzzle!!! It is such a relief and such a good feeling

Congratulations!

In fact Polish strict regulations are not strictly obeyed, i.e. an owner with dog on a leash in the street (without a muzzle!) or in a muzzle, but unleashed on a common meadow, in most cases would not be punished. Unless during short periods when there are 'anti-dog campaigns' after somebody had been bitten by a dog and the case was raised in media.

However, what irittates me personally is the language used in notices in public places rooted in the old communist times, when a citizen was treated lika a naughty child, not a responsible adult person:



Words: "forbidden", "not allowed", "will be punished" etc. are the core of such notices!!!

Just compare a very kind, rational and I suppose, more effective, notice in St. James's Park, London:



Maybe time has come to change not only the stupid regulations, but also the language which reflects the relationship between citizens (including dog owners!) and the authorities?

[Vaiva]

Originally Posted by Rona

However, what irittates me personally is the language used in notices in public places rooted in the old communist times, when a citizen was treated lika a naughty child, not a responsible adult person:

Good point Dog owners need to have their representatives in parlaments and municipalities

[Grin]

Originally Posted by Rona

Just compare a very kind, rational and I suppose, more effective, notice in St. James's Park, London:

What strikes me most is not even the word "please" but the fact of giving the reason of this restriction.
The truth is Polish restrictions concerning dogs are in most cases baseless (that means; there is not any real necessity for them) therefore the only way of their authorization is such language as in given example, because their authors are not able to give the reasons even if they wanted.

[wolfin]

Vaiva, now I can oficial congratulation me first dog with "Girios dvasia" in name with this super news.
You and Brukne are the best I hope and moore lithuanian wolfdog make this exam and can walk without stress in city

[Vaiva]

Originally Posted by wolfin

Vaiva, now I can oficial congratulation me first dog with "Girios dvasia" in name with this super news.
You and Brukne are the best I hope and moore lithuanian wolfdog make this exam and can walk without stress in city

Thank you, dear I got an amazing wolfdog from you and she keeps on forming the best image of the breed