Of all the pets, the dog is most often called the friend of man. Being close to us, such animals unselfishly give their owners love and incredible devotion, serving and protecting. Often, for many owners, a dog is not just a four-legged companion, but also an indispensable assistant.
It often happens that the dog practically becomes a member of the family. But at the same time one should not forget that even the most calm, intelligent and kind dogs still remain animals, moreover, they are “armed” with strong and sharp teeth. So, hypothetically for outsiders, human friends can pose a threat.
To reduce the likelihood of a dog attacking people or animals, in our country there are rules for walking dogs in a public place. These rules must be guided by the owner of any four-legged friend, regardless of the size, age, breed and nature of the pet.
The peculiarity of legislation regulating dog walking in the Russian Federation is that there is no unified federal law on this subject. The rules of dog walking and administrative responsibility for their violation are determined by local laws of each subject of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the main advice for the future owner of the animal is to carefully study the legislation in force in the region where he lives permanently. To highlight the basic requirements for dog owners, consider the rules of dog walking in a public place on the example of laws in force in the Russian capital.
Where to walk four-legged friend
The answer to this question can be obtained by studying the law "On the maintenance of cats and dogs in the city of Moscow." In the article defining the rules of safe walking of dogs, there is a specific indication that walking your pet, not embarrassing him with a muzzle and a leash, is possible only in officially allowed places. We are talking here about special sites, and there is a similar rule in almost all regional laws, similar to the one under consideration.
But in reality, unfortunately, special areas for dogs are difficult to find, even in large cities, not to mention small towns. How can you get out of this situation?
Of course, you cannot leave an animal without a walk. Therefore, if there is no specially equipped dog site in the village, in order to walk a pet and not get a penalty for walking dogs in the wrong place, it is enough to comply with all other requirements of Article 7 of the above law.
The owner will have to:
- to ensure the safety of others, wearing a muzzle and a leash on an animal,
- not to create a threat to the sanitary and hygienic state of the territory, namely, not to leave after the walk the "traces of life" of the pet
- control dog behavior
- Avoid places where dog walking is prohibited by regional law.
Places where dogs are not allowed
Despite the relative loyalty in relation to walking the dogs outside special areas, the law strictly specifies public places where it is impossible to walk with a four-legged friend. These include:
- playgrounds,
- the territory of any educational institution,
- territories of medical institutions of any type,
- territories assigned to sports or culture institutions,
- crowded places.
The last ban does not apply to urban parks.
In addition, according to the existing standards, improvised walking areas for dogs should not be less than 30 meters from the entrances of residential buildings. Although even representatives of law enforcement agencies recognize that it is simply impossible to fulfill the latter in the conditions of the city. Therefore, in practice, to people walking with a pet near a residential building, claims may not arise if this is followed by other hygienic norms and the requirements of safe walking of dogs.
When a leash is needed
Without a leash and collar in a public place, dog walking is prohibited. Situations where even the most calm and trained dog simply runs alongside the lawmakers' point of view are unacceptable and will definitely serve as a pretext for administrative punishment of the owner of a four-legged friend. This rule applies equally to owners of both large and very small breeds. Moreover, the rules of walking emphasize that the leash should not only contribute to the control of the pet, but also ensure the safety of the dog itself, for example, when driving on the side of the road.
Requirements for dog leash
The rules of dog walking in Moscow, and in many other Russian regions, impose only one requirement on the leash - the length must be sufficient to fully control your pet. What does this mean in practice?
A single standard, of course, does not exist. Collar and leash are selected taking into account the breed, weight and age of the dog. Experts and experienced dog lovers agree that the so-called short leash with a length of about one and a half meters is optimally safe. Included with a strict collar and a muzzle it gives full control over the actions of the dog. The disadvantage of this kit is that the dog does not have the ability to just walk, that is, to run and stretch their legs. Therefore, as a rule, such control is recommended for fighting pets. Depending on the breed of dog, the length of the leash can be increased.
And a little more about the possibility of controlling the animal. In some regions, including Moscow and the region, the rules of walking dogs prohibit children and adolescents who have not attained the age of 12 (14) years to independently lead an animal on a leash, as a child may simply not keep a physically strong and large dog. There is also a ban for persons who are intoxicated.
Why do you need a muzzle
Sometimes on special forums of dog lovers there is a debate about how humane the use of a muzzle and whether a dog can be comfortable in it for a walk. The law prescribes the mandatory use of a muzzle for large and (or) restless, aggressive animals, dogs of certain breeds and their hybrids. But can we ignore wearing this device when walking dogs that are not prone to aggressive behavior? Professional coaches often warn that it is impossible to foresee all situations. Even the most non-aggressive and kind dogs can unpredictably behave in a public place in relation to both people and other animals.
In addition, the muzzle is designed to ensure the safety of not only others, but also the dog itself. The muzzle primarily prevents the animal from picking up and eating something from the ground. Thus, the owner can protect the pet from accidental poisoning or from doghunter traps.
When it is necessary to wear a muzzle
In what cases do the rules of dog walking in the city and beyond establish it for the owner to wear a muzzle to his pet? Let's look at this question in more detail. The Moscow rules of walking dogs in a public place prescribe the mandatory wearing of a muzzle for all four-legged, without exception, which can be dangerous to humans or other animals. This type includes all dogs weighing more than 5 kg.
A list of four dozen potentially dangerous rocks is also attached to the law of the capital. Without a muzzle with such animals you can walk only on the territory of a fenced dog walking area.
Law on dog walking in 2018: official text
Parliamentarians approved edits that relate to the norms of walking pets. The owner is obliged to protect not only the animal itself, but also other dogs and cats in the place of walking, people, property.
Changes relate to the use of a muzzle. In previous editions of the bill, dogs were forbidden to stay in crowded places without it.
According to the new standards, when crossing the road, rest areas, etc., only a leash can be used. However, animal wrestling breeds weighing more than 15 kg is required to wear a muzzle.
Preference should be given to a shortened leash, which, if necessary, is easy to pull, in order to prevent the pet from harming outsiders. On the collar, you must attach a tag on which information about the owner, phone number, information about the dog.
The official text of the bill prescribes the obligation of the owners to clean up after their pets. For this you need to carry a scoop and a package.
The issue of waste disposal is not fully resolved, since they need to be stored separately from food residues. Accordingly, the packages can not be thrown into ordinary boxes. Specialized dog boxes are still not widespread.
Where the law is allowed to walk a dog
The territory for walking dogs must meet certain requirements:
- total area should be more than 400 square meters. m
- the walking zone should be located away from residential buildings and office buildings (minimum 25 m),
- you can not walk a pet on a site that is closer than forty meters from children's institutions (kindergartens, playgrounds, schools, hospitals),
- the coverage used on the territory of the range must be changed at least once a year.
In fact, without a muzzle and a leash, animals can only be released in specially protected areas. It should be remembered that the pet should not harm anyone. In large cities today, sites began to appear, marked with a special icon. They are designed specifically for walking dogs and are usually equipped with dog boxes for waste disposal.
You can not walk animals in the following places:
- on the beaches
- in cemeteries,
- on children's and sports grounds,
- in areas in close proximity to hospitals and clinics,
- in areas that belong to cultural or sports institutions,
- in other public places where there are a lot of people (excluding green areas).
Dog walking rules in a public place
The law does not prohibit visits to animal parks. Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that in the green zone there may be internal regulations that do not allow walking with dogs.
The rules of behavior of the owner and his pet in the park are still determined by law, valid since 1980. Standards include the following requirements:
- in the park, the animal must be kept on a short leash or a muzzle must be used. This will ensure the safety of others. An exception was made only for puppies who have not yet turned three months old,
- Do not let the dog go where people walk. Choose an empty area, located in the distance. If the plot is fenced, it is allowed to remove the muzzle,
- walking time is not limited, however at night it is necessary to exclude noise. If a dog barks, you should not walk with it late at night, so as not to disturb other people,
- the law prohibits walking with animals if the owner is drunk.
The owner must remember that any violations of the law are punishable by a fine. In some cases, the owner faces not only an administrative penalty, but also criminal liability.
The bill stipulates that large breed dogs are potentially dangerous. If there is an attack pet on the person, the owner will have to stand trial.
Criminal liability is foreseen if the dog seriously damages property or causes severe bodily harm.
In some regions, additional restrictions are imposed on walking with pets.
For example, in the capital it is not allowed to walk dogs to children who have not turned 12 years old (or 14 if the animal belongs to a large breed). Therefore, owners should learn the rules in force in a particular locality.
Travel rules in public transport
When transporting a pet in a bus or subway, you must comply with certain requirements. The law regulates the use of the leash and the muzzle when transporting large animals.
Be sure to restrict the movement of the pet, because in transport most often closely and there are a lot of people. The dog is legally provided with a separate seat, so do not hesitate to use it, but do not forget to pay for the second ticket.
Separately installed a list of documents that must be the owner of the animal during the trip. The list includes:
- veterinary certificate (it should contain information about all vaccinations),
- The official form indicating the state of health of the pet (certificate issued in veterinary clinics, contains information about the absence of rabies in the animal, the date of the last vaccination).
Large breed dogs are recommended to be transported in the rear seats. But for transportation of small pets used special carrying containers.
Small breeds include animals whose weight does not exceed 5 kg. They are not only easier to transport, but also easier to walk, because they are not subject to the requirement of wearing a leash and a muzzle. True, if the pet is bitten by someone, the owner will still have to bear responsibility.
A fine will be imposed on the owner if the dog jumps out onto the roadway and becomes the cause of the accident. That owner will have to reimburse the funds spent on vehicle repairs and treatment (if affected).
What does the law say
Starting from January 1, 2018, amendments to the Law “On Responsible Treatment of Animals” are in effect in the country, which also touched the rules for walking domestic animals.
Firstly, during walking, you should ensure the safety of both the pet and other animals, people and their property. If earlier (since Soviet times) all dogs could be in public places exclusively on a leash and in a muzzle. Now, in the case of crossing the carriageway, children's or sports grounds and when in public places for residents of apartment buildings, it is enough to use only a leash for the animal. The exceptions are fighting breeds and large pets weighing more than 15 kg. In this case, preference should be given to a short leash, which, if necessary, will allow to control the actions of the pet. On the collar or "bridle" must hang a tag with the contact information of the owner and information about the registration data of the dog.
Secondly, dog breeders will have to pay special attention to the cleanliness of the streets. The new amendments to the law on the walking of dogs in 2018 oblige the owners to prevent environmental pollution by the products of vital activity of pets. Otherwise, you should take care of their immediate cleaning with special packages and scoop or pay a fine.
But trying to comply with the last requirement, citizens are at risk of violating sanitary and epidemiological rules, according to which it is prohibited to store animal excreta along with household waste. This means that dog waste packages should not be thrown into city bins. The best option in this case are the dog boxes, but they are just starting to appear in the cities of Russia.
Where can I go for a walk
Free walking (without a leash and a muzzle) of dogs is allowed on specially designated places enclosed by a fence, or on vacant lots, beams and green areas, provided that the people present are safe. But to find equipped sites, even in large settlements, is quite difficult. In some cities, signs are simply installed to indicate that walking animals in a given area is permitted, or, conversely, is prohibited. In addition, the law is strictly forbidden to walk pets:
- on the territory of playgrounds,
- at a distance closer than 30 m from the entrances of apartment buildings.
- in the areas adjacent to educational and medical institutions,
- in the territories belonging to the institutions of culture and sports,
- in crowded places (except for parks),
Other rules of walking
In addition to these restrictions, the legislation also establishes a number of requirements for dog walking:
- Only adult citizens who are in a sober state can walk animals in the city.
- In Moscow and some other regions of Russia it is forbidden to walk with a dog to children up to 12-14 years old (depending on belonging to one breed or another).
Important! Walking the dogs is allowed at any time of the day or night, but in the period from 23: 00-7: 00 the owner is obliged to take all measures for keeping silence during walks with animals.
- Do not let your pet leash in public places, even if it is muzzled.
- Do not visit places with a dog in which walking is prohibited by regional legislation. The specified territories are designated by the corresponding plates.
- Использовать для передвижения в транспорте средства, ограничивающие возможность передвижения животного (переноску, поводок, намордник, ошейник, в т. ч. строгий).
Штрафные санкции
Административная ответственность за нарушение новых правил выгула собак ложится на их владельцев. Нарушителям грозят санкции в виде штрафов:
- рядовым гражданам – 3-4 тыс. руб.,
- должностным лицам – 30-50 тыс. руб.,
- юридическим лицам – 100-150 тыс. руб.
In this case, in the case of repeated violations recorded during the year, the amounts of fines increase significantly:
- for ordinary citizens - up to 10-20 thousand rubles,
- for officials - up to 50-100 thousand rubles,
- for legal entities - up to 700 thousand - 1 million rubles.
In addition to the fine, in some cases, the violator faces the confiscation of a pet.
Also, in accordance with the new rules penalties are provided:
- 1000-5000 rub. for walking the pet owner, who is intoxicated,
- 1000-3000 rub. for the lack of registration of a pet in the register of animals. But It is worth noting that the registration is given to the owners of the company for 3 years since the entry into force of the new law.
With regard to fines for walking a dog without a muzzle, they are governed by regional legal acts. So, in Moscow, you can walk your pet without a muzzle, if you do not plan to visit shops, markets, beaches, playgrounds or travel in public transport. For such cases, it is mandatory to wear a muzzle to the dog, regardless of its size and breed. Otherwise, you will have to pay a fine in the amount of 1000-2000 rubles. (according to Article 5.1, paragraph 3 of the Moscow Code of Administrative Offenses).
In the culture of dog breeding, Russians are still very far from the ideal: in public places there are animals without a leash, dogs run around the courtyards without a muzzle, which sometimes leads to dire consequences for both other citizens and the pets themselves. Therefore, those owners who really love their own pet and are eager to avoid unpleasant incidents, it is important to do everything possible so that it does not cause anxiety to other people.
Rules and regulations for dog walking areas
In any neighborhood of the city, there are specially designated places for walking dogs. Few people know, but there are rules and regulations for dog walking grounds and they are as follows:
- Dog walking areas must be located in a residential area. They are placed on alienated territories (in the area of railways, highways, abandoned sites and parks).
- The area should be 400 - 60 sq.m.
- The site should be fenced and trees, bushes and grass should be planted on its territory.
- On the site should be urns, benches and rulebook, which should be clear outlined information on how to use the site.
- An appropriate table should decorate the dog walking area.
When a person starts a dog for himself, he should clearly understand that becoming a dog owner he is obliged to obey certain rules. And much depends on his knowledge, and sometimes even human life.
Muzzle requirements
There are no clear requirements for the material or the size of the muzzle, as is the case with the leash. In order not to cause harm to the animal and not to create situations where the dog can simply gnaw and remove the muzzle, when choosing a device it is better to rely on the following tips:
- Buying a muzzle safe for the dog - completely breathable and allowing the muzzle animal to open its mouth completely.
- Select the product in size. The muzzle should not cut into the nose of the animal and not interfere with vision. This condition is a guarantee of the safety of others.
Transportation: public transport
Many are wondering how to transport a dog in public transport. It is clear that transportation of an animal is allowed only with a muzzle and a leash. But are there any additional requirements? In accordance with the laws of the capital, the owner of the dog during a trip by public transport with a pet must have with him a document of registration in the Registry of cats and dogs in the city of Moscow. This document the owner is obliged to present to the controller when checking.
Requirements for walking to owners of small breed dogs
Small breeds include dogs that weigh less than 5 kg. It is assumed that from such pets does not emanate a threat to humans, although quite a few people, including among the owners of dogs, may not agree with this. Nevertheless, the rules of walking dogs give some relief for small breeds.
For example, a leash for animals less than 5 kg can be replaced by a special carrying. Particularly interesting is this moment: holding a small dog in your arms, you can visit any public place, even where you cannot go with animals. But at the same time to lower the pet to the floor and allow him to freely walk is strictly prohibited.
For public transport, the baby-baby also has a benefit: the law on dogs allows them to be transported without a muzzle, but with a leash. The same exception applies to exploring the city. A dog belonging to the category of small is completely allowed to be pulled off the leash if the walk is away from any public places. But it should not be forgotten that if the baby caused any damage or attacked a person or an animal, the owner will have to respond in the same way as for the actions of a large pet.
Is it a duty to clean up after the dog?
This wave of disturbance is caused by feces left by dogs. If in many countries, cleaning up after your pet is a common thing, then our compatriots in most cases ignore this duty. We see the result of such a violation on the streets and in the courtyards of residential houses every day.
The Dog Law permits representatives of the authorities not only to make the owner clean up after his four-legged friend, but also to draw up a protocol on administrative violation followed by a fine. Therefore, the best advice is to purchase accessories such as a special scoop and bags for walking the dog.
Owner responsibility
The Moscow Code of Administrative Violations provides for a range of penalties in the form of a fine for owners of dogs. For example, a fine for walking dogs in the wrong place, walking without a muzzle and a leash, as well as pollution of public places, that is, uncleaned feces - each of these violations will cost the pet owner in the amount of 1 to 2 thousand rubles.
Violation of the rules of transportation by public transport, someone else’s (including municipal) property damaged by a dog will cost from 500 to 1000 rubles.
Cases of aggressive dog behavior are punished more severely. If a man’s friend, through the owner’s carelessness, has attacked people or other animals, the amount of the fine will be from 4 to 5 thousand. And when the owner himself shows aggression, setting his dog on animals or people, the penalty can be from 2 to 5 thousand.
Monetary amounts are indicated for citizens - dog owners. If the violator is an official or legal entity, the amount of the fine increases several times.
Another animal has suffered or died: is the owner of the dog responsible for anything?
Consider another common situation when by chance a dog attacked another animal, wild or domestic. If the dog has driven the cat to the tree, then the responsibility for the owner for it is not provided. But if the attacked dog has injured or the injured animal has died, the owner, who allowed the attack, will have to pay a fine of a decent amount - from 4 to 5 thousand rubles.
Criminal liability: what do you have to answer for?
A question that often arises in connection with conflict situations between dog owners and opponents of keeping such animals in urban environments: can violating the rules of dog walking entail not only administrative, but also criminal liability for the malicious violator? Let's see if it is possible to criminally attract the owner of the dog, bit the person.
Even if a person regularly violates the rules of dog walking, there will be no criminal prosecution for it. But even in a situation where the dog attacked a man, there could be no criminal liability for the owner of an aggressive animal either. A criminal case can be started only in one case: if the owner intentionally set off his dog and at the same time he suffered serious harm to the health of the victim.
Penalty for walking in the wrong places
Since the rules for walking with pets are established by law, penalties are envisaged for their violation, the amount of which depends on the degree of the offense. Today, the following penalties for walking dogs in the wrong place:
- from 1 to 2 thousand rubles. the pet owner will pay if he walked with him without a leash on the territory of the forest, in a park, a public garden,
- a similar amount (1–2 thousand rubles) is provided for walking the animal on the territory of the children's institution (including on the playground with children),
- the penalty for transporting a dog without a leash and a muzzle in public transport will be from 500 rubles. up to 1 thousand rubles.
- if you visit a pet store, but do not use a muzzle and a leash, you will have to pay from 1 to 2 thousand rubles,
- Do not keep dogs in hostels or communal, if there is no consent of neighbors. Violation of the rule provides for a fine of up to 2 thousand rubles.
- It is forbidden to arrange a fight between dogs. The owner will impose a penalty in the amount of 2.5 thousand rubles.,
- An impressive fine (up to 5 thousand rubles) threatens the owner, who has set the animal on a person,
- if the pet removes need in the area where it is prohibited to do this, the owner will have to pay from 1 to 2 thousand rubles.
- for walking a dog while intoxicated is fined 5 thousand rubles.
In case of repeated violation, the owner of the animal is threatened with more impressive sanctions. The amount of fines in this case increases several times.
By the way, owners are fined in the event that an attack on another dog is recorded, damage to the greenery and violation of the rules of urban improvement.
In different regions, the amount of recovery may be slightly more or slightly lower, since the subjects are empowered to modify certain provisions of the law.
Where to complain about those who violate the law
If you notice a violation (for example, an animal is being walked on the territory of a sports ground or near an entrance), it is advisable to fix it on a photo or video.
So you will be easier to prove the fact of the offense. Then you should make a collective complaint. The more residents of a block of flats sign, the greater the chance of a fair punishment.
The complaint is filed with the local government (administration) or turn to the district police officer with a statement. You can do both. Representatives of the authorities are obliged to consider the application as soon as possible and fine the violator. If they are inactive, you can already complain about the officials and police to the prosecutor's office.
Download the text of the law on dog walking
Since the rules for walking with animals are not regulated by a separate document, you can download the law on walking rules by the following link, which contains a bill on the rules for keeping pets in Russian cities. It lists the main standards in force.
Issues of dog walking, despite the new edits, remain relevant for pet owners and for people who are faced with aggression and an attack of pets.
Despite the fines, the owners often ignore the rules or cannot observe them for a number of reasons (for example, in the absence of places for walking, you have to walk with dogs in the wrong places).
