The Dog Walking Law of 2021 was adopted on December 28, 2018. Its official number is Federal Law No. 498 “On the Responsible Treatment of Animals.” Based on Federal Law No. 248, changes were made to some legislative acts of the Russian Federation. Walking dogs, rules and requirements for keeping them, as well as cats, became the main points of the regulatory document. Since January 1, 2021, it has been included in the current legislation in the country, but some articles have come into force this year, 2021.
Dogs walking on the street
Dog Walking Law 2021: Russia, Official Text
The Federal Animal Welfare Act has been under discussion for about five years because some of its provisions and clauses have met with harsh criticism from the public, animal rights activists, and even lawyers.
Walking dogs in the city
As a result, the original version was supplemented with adjustments and additional clauses and led to amendments to other legislative acts. The result was rules for dog walking in Russia that did not previously exist. The standard requirements were only in the bill.
This need has existed for a long time.
The 2021 legislation takes this into account. And the law, which lists and establishes dog walking standards, has received the necessary additions starting in 2021.
Walking pet on a leash
The introduction of new legal norms regarding dog walking and repressive norms for violating them did not resolve the pressing problem of the existence of special places for this purpose. In fact, the adoption of the law only stipulated the creation of such by local authorities based on the existing requirements of regional self-government bodies.
However, new dog walking guidelines had to be adopted as there was no legislation in place. There were only local government regulations defining places where pets could be walked. The conditions under which this should be carried out were also specified. The new law included the following points:
- The need for special equipment for movement in areas not designated as free-running areas for dogs. The dog should not move without a muzzle and a leash in prohibited areas and crowded places.
- Requirements for points where you can walk your dog are the safety of other animals and people who accompany the pets, the safety of the property of legal entities and individuals.
- The time when walking is officially permitted and recommended is from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. No one forbids being with a dog on the street at later or earlier times. But it is necessary to comply with the condition - the dog will be walked without violating the silence regime, which is established precisely from 23:00 to 07:00.
- Without a muzzle and without a leash, a dog may only be in an area specially designated for this purpose by local authorities. The exception is a puppy under 3 months of age, if we are talking about large animals or classified as potentially dangerous breeds. Small breed dogs are allowed to be walked without equipment.
- It is prohibited to walk dogs while intoxicated, even if there is a leash and muzzle. Now this means an administrative offense and implies a potential and quite significant fine.
Rules for walking without a muzzle on city streets
The owner can walk with the dog in full protective equipment only in places that are not classified as prohibited by the relevant instructions of local authorities. The owner is required by law to clean up after his walking pet if the dog leaves excrement. To do this, you need to have a scoop and spatula with you.
Article 36. Placement and maintenance of areas for walking animals
Article 36. Placement and maintenance of areas for walking animals.
1. Areas for walking pets should be located in areas free of green spaces, outside the first and second belts of sanitary protection zones for drinking water supply sources.
2. The size of dog walking areas located in residential areas should be 400 - 600 square meters, in other areas - up to 800 square meters. In the current development conditions, it is possible to accept a reduced size of areas for walking pets, based on the available territorial possibilities. The availability of areas for walking pets is no further than 400 meters, in microdistricts with dense residential buildings – no further than 600 meters. The distance from the border of the area for walking pets to the windows of residential and public buildings is taken to be at least 25 meters, and to the sites of child care institutions, schools, playgrounds, sports grounds (structures), and recreation areas - at least 40 meters.
3. Dog training areas must be located at least 50 meters away from residential and public buildings. The size of the site is assumed to be about 2000 square meters.
4. The mandatory list of landscaping elements for a dog walking area includes:
— soft or lawn types of covering;
— benches and trash cans (at least 2 per site);
— information stand with rules for using the site;
— specialized containers for storing excrement.
5. To cover the surface of the part of the area intended for walking pets, a leveled surface is provided that provides good drainage, does not injure the limbs of animals (lawn, sand, sand-earth covering), as well as convenience for regular cleaning and updating. The surface of the part of the site intended for pet owners is designed with a hard or combined type of covering (tiles sunk into the lawn, etc.). The approach to the area for walking pets is equipped with a hard surface.
6. Landscaping of the area for walking pets is designed from perimeter dense plantings of tall shrubs in the form of a hedge or vertical landscaping.
7. The person walking the animals is obliged to ensure that excrement is removed into specialized containers for storing excrement.
8. Persons walking pets are obliged to prevent damage or destruction of trees and bushes by pets.
9. The maintenance of areas for walking animals is carried out by their owner, owner, or the organization that manages apartment buildings.
10. Maintenance of dog walking areas includes:
1) daily cleaning of waste and foreign objects and “visual debris”;
2) maintaining paths, fences, benches, trash cans and other installed equipment in good condition;
3) waste from bins and containers for storing excrement is removed in the morning as needed, but at least once a day;
4) the surface of the site in the form of lawn or sand must be replaced at least every 12 months.
11. Walking dogs is prohibited:
1) without an accompanying person;
2) persons in a state of alcohol, drug and (or) toxic intoxication;
3) persons under 14 years of age, unaccompanied by adults. This ban does not apply to walking dogs of toy breeds and puppies of all breeds under the age of 2 months;
4) persons recognized as legally incompetent;
5) in places of public events;
6) in the territories of children's, educational, physical culture, sports and medical organizations, cultural organizations, children's and sports playgrounds, parks and other areas marked with “Dog walking is prohibited” signs.
12. It is prohibited to allow dogs into buildings, commercial structures of a temporary nature, as well as into the premises of children's, educational, medical organizations, organizations engaged in trade and providing public catering services, consumer services, cultural organizations (except for cases of exhibitions, entertainment and public events involving dogs), religious organizations (associations), except for service dogs and guide dogs.
13. In addition to walking dogs in special areas, walking in forested areas is allowed (not related to parks, squares, or other landscaped areas), while the owners (owners) are required to clean up excrement after dogs.
14. Dogs kept on the territory of the production base (warehouses, etc.) must be allowed to roam freely only at night and in a fenced area. During the daytime, dogs must be kept on a leash or in enclosures.
15. Keeping pets on balconies, loggias, and common areas of multi-apartment residential buildings is not allowed.
16. Animal owners must prevent their animals from causing dangerous effects on other animals and people, and ensure silence for others
17. Grazing of farm animals is carried out in places specially designated by the city administration, under the supervision of the owner or his authorized person
Open the current version of the document right now or get full access to the GARANT system for 3 days for free!
If you are a user of the Internet version of the GARANT system, you can open this document right now or request it via the Hotline in the system.
Source
Rules for walking dogs in the city
Animals must not be walked in the wrong place. This refers to the area near cafes, canteens, shops and other points of access and stay of people considered collective.
How to walk your pet
Even before the new law was issued, city officials had passed ordinances specifying areas where dogs were prohibited under any conditions met. These include the roadway (even if it is at night and there is no traffic), adjacent areas of multi-storey and apartment buildings.
This also includes sports and children's playgrounds with special equipment, crowded streets, areas of schools and kindergartens, and hospitals.
Amendments to the legislation gave legal status to prohibitions and places where you can walk your dog that previously existed by default or by order of city authorities.
Dogs on leashes and muzzles
Previously, when there were no penalties, residents of apartment buildings were forced to endure dog barking and excrement from the pets of irresponsible owners who walked the dog at their own discretion.
The new walking rules contain a list of places prohibited for animals in the city.
You can complain about their violation. Administrative liability is provided for dog owners who violate Russian legislation. A number of rules must be followed:
- You can walk your dog in a place specially equipped by the city authorities. For example, in a fenced area where there is a fence and the coating changes with frequency in accordance with established rules.
- If one is not provided, there must be a specially designated place. For example, a vacant lot between houses, where the owner must ensure safety for other animals and their owners. There are protective measures for this. The upbringing of the dog is also of great importance. She needs to be taught to follow commands and behave correctly in society.
- Dog breeds classified as dangerous by law cannot be accompanied by a child or intoxicated adult. It is impossible for the fashion for aggressive hybrids or breeds like the pit bull to lead to incidents, the definition of which legally falls not under the scope of the Code of Administrative Offenses, but under a criminal article.
Certificate of vaccinations
In some regions of Russia, such walking rules have been in effect for a long time. For example, in the Sverdlovsk region, for which the regional authorities adopted a corresponding resolution.
They even allow a large dog to stay freely in the yard of their own house only if the surrounding area is securely fenced off. A warning sign - a picture or an inscription - must be installed on the fence.
In 2021, other points of the new law on walking came into force. Guaranteed support for their action will be new decrees of the city authorities. It is also necessary to equip special dog pens where you can walk your pets safely and free of charge.
Legal norms for walking pets
There are certain requirements for a properly equipped walking area. These are size, distance from buildings, landscaping elements. Even if the quality of the coating does not meet the text of the law or GOST, animal owners can file complaints with the city administration.
How to organize a dog walking area
If there is no specially equipped walking area near the house, then you need to contact the authorities or make a site yourself, observing all the rules of this process.
Create a plan
First of all, when creating a site plan, you should comply with the approved standards for the distance of this object from housing and public institutions. Of course, if it is too far away, there will be few visitors.
When developing a project, the following aspects must be taken into account:
- the presence of a high metal fence that will protect passers-by if the animal shows aggression;
- protection of the entire perimeter of the fence from undermining. To do this, you can put logs;
- durable and well-closing door;
- the presence of a coating that allows moisture to pass through well and prevents paws from slipping. It can be a grass lawn or sand;
- trash cans.
In addition, the site must have:
- all kinds of exercise equipment;
- closed canopies where you can hide from the sun and rain;
- benches for the convenience of the owners;
- A prerequisite is the placement of containers with fresh water for dogs.
Organization of the construction process
Having created a project, you need to enlist the support of neighbors and other animal lovers. This is important, especially if the dog training area will be located near your home. Then you need to draw up an appeal to the administrative body and collect signatures from neighbors.
Most likely, the construction will be supported by many categories of residents:
- Other dog owners. They will be glad to get rid of conflicts with neighbors and finally find a convenient place to walk with their animal.
- Mothers of small children. Parents are more interested in the safety of their children than anyone else. A special platform, as this zone will be called, will make this a reality.
- Pensioners. They are always happy to help in a good cause.
Official bodies
Most likely, the most difficult part will be the approval of documents and obtaining a building permit from the city administration. Municipal authorities do not seek to create new areas for animals, although this is their direct responsibility. Once you find out who is doing landscaping in the area, you should go straight there. You need to have documents with signatures and a project with you. Even if the cost of the object is not high, you should not expect that it will be accepted immediately.
Most likely, it will be said that it will be included in next year's estimates. You will have to convince of the need for speedy construction or simply look for an investor on your own. It is best to post on the Internet or advertise on television.
According to the current law, there are the following rules for construction:
- The voltage in power lines in this area should not exceed 110 kV.
- The possibility of allocating a site is decided by the administration.
- The size of the site in a residential area is allowed within 400-600 square meters. m. In some cases it may be less if there is not enough free space.
- The area should have as smooth a surface as possible and be easy to clean. In addition, this will avoid injury to animals.
- The coating can be hard or combined.
- The height of the fence is calculated based on the dog’s capabilities. She shouldn't jump over it. In any case, the fence is placed at least 1.5 m in height;
- A stand will be set up on the premises to inform about the rules of conduct.
Walking with a pet
Benefit
Having an area for walking four-legged pets is important for both their owners and the animals. After all, only daily exercise and communication with the dog allows you to raise it to be obedient and not aggressive. During walks, dog lovers themselves will be able to communicate, share experiences and help each other with training their pets. This is why you need equipment on which you can practice.
In addition, active owners will be able to organize competitions that will attract the attention of the entire yard and will help establish relationships between all residents.
Despite the fact that the law is new and in many cities there are not enough platforms, we must try to change the situation for the better. Then not only citizens who do not have animals at home will be happy, but also those who cannot live without their pets. In reality, creating special areas does not require a lot of time and money, but their presence will help make the yard not a place of discord, but a comfortable area that delights all residents.
Source
Fine for violating the law on walking
The punishment for violating the new law differs in different regions, since it is not specified in its text, but depends on the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO) in force in the territory of the subject of the federation - city, region, republic or territory.
Walking pets is prohibited
In this regard, it is worth noting the following:
- in Moscow, monetary penalties range from 1–2 thousand rubles;
- the authorities of St. Petersburg considered it necessary to double the amount of payment and fine violators of the rules for walking dogs in the amount of 3 to 5 thousand rubles;
- The Krasnoyarsk Territory makes exceptions for those who perform official duties with a dog; for other owners, the monetary penalty will be 1–5 thousand rubles;
- There is a similar situation with fines for walking dogs illegally in the Krasnodar Territory.
Fine for walking a pet in the wrong place: subtleties
Graduation has not yet been adopted in the Moscow region. But there is reason to believe that public outcry will accelerate the adoption of a system of administrative penalties, taking into account the specifics of rural areas and the type of settlement. The problem will be resolved based on the Moscow experience.
Rules for keeping dogs
The government of St. Petersburg has long ago adopted the Law on Administrative Offenses, according to which the provisions of the new federal regulatory document have long been implemented. In 2004, in St. Petersburg, a document was published by the Committee for Improvement, which explicitly prohibits walking dogs and any other pets.
The parks and squares of the magnificent city are now patrolled by Committee inspectors, who are still warning owners about the legally supported possibilities of a one-time fine.
The lower limit of punishment for walking a dog in the wrong place is 3 thousand rubles. Violation a second time may entail more significant administrative liability.
About large and potentially dangerous dog breeds
The list of dog breeds known to be dangerous to others was approved by the Government of the Russian Federation on July 31, 2021. However, changes in legislation regarding aggressive animals only came into force in 2021.
The dog walks in a muzzle and on a leash
Most of them are not species that can be found on the street every day. Many Russians don’t even know these names: wolfdog, bandog, ambuldog and pit bullmastiff, akbash, bully kutta.
Husky, children's favorite Labrador, and the well-known German Shepherd are not small breeds. They are easy to teach rules of behavior and commands, but they cannot be in public transport or places where there are potential crowds of people.
These pets fall under the category of large breeds with a height of more than 40 cm at the withers. Such animals should not be allowed to cross without a short leash and muzzle only on the basis of training or friendliness, which their owners often use as an argument.
A small dog
Subtleties of walking according to the law
The Staff or Shepherd must be equipped accordingly. For a small dog in transport in 2021, you need to purchase appropriate armor.