German Agricultural Minister Julia Klöckner
The German Agricultural Minister, Julia Klöckner, has just announced a set of new rules that apply to dog ownership in the country.
These new laws, if approved, will greatly improve the quality of life for the average German pooch.
They include that dogs must be walked at least twice a day, for a total of no less than one hour. Dogs will no longer be able to be left alone all day or tied up for long periods of time.
There are also other rules that apply to living conditions and breeding programs.
In Germany there are over 9 million dogs, with one in five homes owning a canine companion.
Last year, when we were living in Berlin, we were very impressed by how well dogs were treated and how much freedom they have.
There were always dogs walking with their ‘humans’ in the parks and on the streets. Also dogs are allowed just about anywhere: restaurants, bars, public transport and shops, except grocery stores.
However these new rules must be put in the context of how and where the average German lives.
This is a country of apartments, not quarter acre blocks, therefore dogs don’t have a large house or a back yard to run around in, so daily exercise is essential.
There is some criticism of these new rules, but one thing is certain, if they pass, it will be anything but a ‘dog’s life’ for the average German hund.
I can only assume by these actions that Minister Klöckner is a dog lover.
