Daugavpils municipal council has approved new amendments to the rules for pet owners. These amendments provide a ban on bringing dogs to children’s playgrounds and public event.
According to representatives of the municipal council, amendments were developed based on opinions of residents, and they provide both restrictions in some areas and simplified requirements in others. The objective of these amendments is improving public security and clarifying the various responsibilities of dog owners.
In addition to what is stated in Cabinet of Ministers requirements, which state that dogs are allowed to be off the leash at specialised areas for dog-walking, amendments to “Rules for keeping pet in Daugavpils State City Municipality” also provide for letting dogs be off the leash in forested areas.
In order for the dog not to cause risks to the safety of people or other animals, the amendments to the binding regulations provide for a prohibition for dog owners to come to children’s recreation and playgrounds, educational institutions and their territories, sports grounds and tracks, venues of public events with their pets. It will not be allowed to bring dogs to bathing waters as well.
At the same time, the municipality will also limit the presence of dogs at public bodies of water that are not listed as public municipal bathing waters.
Amendments to the binding regulations provide that restrictions do not apply to a guide dog, a dog assistant, a dog therapist and a service dog if he or she performs official duties together with the official. In this case, the owner or keeper of the dog must be present with the appropriate dog certificate.
On the other hand, restrictions on being with a dog in children’s recreation and playgrounds, educational institutions and their territories, sports grounds and tracks, as well as public event venues do not apply to events related to dog demonstrations or exhibitions.
In accordance with Cabinet of Ministers requirements, in locations in which dogs are not allowed to be brought, they have to be put in a special carry bag, container or cage.
During the development of amendments to the binding regulations, a survey was conducted on the presence of dogs in public places in the urban area, in which 1 454 respondents participated in two weeks. The results of the survey allegedly helped the municipality make decisions on restrictions and regulations aimed at more clearly regulating the keeping of pets, as well as promoting safety and order in the city.
In the survey, residents have expressed the opinion that some restrictions should not apply to small-sized dogs.
“However, if the municipality determines the places in which it is allowed to be without a leash, then the ban applies to all types of dogs, regardless of their breed or size, since it is not empowered under the legal framework to make any exceptions in this matter,” the municipality explains.
Violations of the rules, including non-compliance with animal welfare requirements, will be subject to administrative liability under the Animal Protection Act.