Dog ownership: apply for exemption

The provisions of the Dog Owners Ordinance do not apply to all dogs to the same extent:

• The ordinance does not apply to guide dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for the disabled, rescue service dogs, civil protection dogs and service dogs kept by legal entities under public law or by foreign armed forces.
• Within the scope of their respective purpose, hunting and herding dogs may be allowed to run free without supervision outside the pacified property. Furthermore, within the scope of their respective intended purpose, they may also be led outside the pacified property without a lead and muzzle if they are dangerous dogs within the meaning of the ordinance. Within the scope of their respective purpose, a person may also lead several of these dogs.
• The local regulatory authority may authorise further exceptions on request if it is ensured that people, animals or property are not endangered.
• Dog owners and dog handlers who are only staying in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern temporarily (e.g. on holiday) are exempt from the obligation to obtain a permit to breed, keep and run dangerous dogs. If they are staying for more than one month, they must notify the local regulatory authority of the presence of the dangerous dog and the duration of the stay.

• § Section 2a (1) of the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)
• § Section 8 Ordinance on the leading and keeping of dogs (Dog Owner Ordinance)

They must be trained

• Service dogs of authorities or armed forces,
• dogs of the rescue service or civil protection,
• Guide dogs,
• Assistance dogs for the disabled,
• Hunting dogs or
• Herding dogs

act.

The exceptions described above apply without restriction to guide dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for the disabled, rescue service dogs, civil protection dogs and service dogs kept by legal entities under public law or by foreign armed forces.

The exceptions apply to hunting and herding dogs only insofar as they are used for their intended purpose.

The authorisation of further exceptions is at the discretion of the local regulatory authority. They are only granted if, taking into account the local circumstances, it is ensured that people, animals or property are not endangered by the breeding or keeping of dogs and only apply to the authority's area of responsibility.

The exemption from the obligation to obtain a licence to breed, keep and lead dangerous dogs only applies if the dog owner or handler is only staying in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern temporarily with the dog.

Please contact the local regulatory authority.

An objection can be lodged against decisions made by the responsible local regulatory authority (regulatory office) or the responsible district regulatory authority (district regulatory office) (Sections 68 ff. of the Administrative Court Code - VwGO). If the objection is not upheld, an action can be brought before the competent administrative court.

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Local regulatory authorities