According to current regulations, dogs must be kept on a lead when being walked within built-up areas. Outside the built-up area, dogs may be walked off the lead - but they must be put on a lead immediately and without being asked if other people approach. It is forbidden to take dogs to children's playgrounds and to allow them to run around freely in other public areas (such as green spaces, barbecue areas, recreational and sports facilities) or to let them bathe in fountains, ponds or water basins.
The public order office appeals to dog owners to observe the regulations of the Ordinance on the Prevention of Danger in order to avoid unnecessary confrontations. Anyone who fails to do so is acting in breach of the regulations and can be fined up to 5,000 euros.
- An "Information sheet for dog ownership", which contains tips and rules of conduct for dog owners, is available on the municipal website www.idar-oberstein.de.