What rules apply?

Trouble over illegal dog ownership

Even though the vast majority of dog owners behave in an exemplary manner, the number of complaints to the town of Beckum about dogs being kept out of order is increasing - be it because of dog faeces or dogs not being kept on a lead.

2 May 2024
    Walker with dog

    Dog mess on public paths and squares, especially in children's playgrounds or parks, is not only unhygienic and disgusting, but also leads to resentment and robs citizens of their enjoyment of open-air facilities. But it's not just dog faeces that cause tensions between dog owners and the rest of the population, unleashed dogs in urban areas also cause trouble, because not everyone is a dog lover and is happy to see dogs running free.

    In the interests of harmonious coexistence, the Law and Order Department of the town of Beckum points out the following rules for dealing with dogs:

    • Dog owners are obliged to clean up any mess caused by their dogs immediately and are urged to fulfil this obligation.
    • They are also obliged to keep their dogs on a lead in traffic areas and facilities within built-up neighbourhoods, regardless of the size of the dog. The obligation to keep dogs on a lead also applies to all parks and green spaces. Dogs are not allowed on children's playgrounds at all.
    • Dogs can be kept on a lead outside built-up neighbourhoods. However, here too, dogs must be kept on a lead in woodland outside the paths and should also be kept on a lead if other people feel threatened by the dog, as every dog owner is ultimately liable for their own dog.
    • Fines of up to EUR 100,000.00 can be imposed for violations of the statutory regulations.
    • In addition, each offence is also checked to see whether the dog has been properly registered for tax and, in the case of large dogs, whether it has also been officially registered as a large dog. If no registration has been made, this also constitutes an administrative offence, which is punishable by a fine.

    In order to avoid the high fines, the town of Beckum therefore appeals to all dog owners to observe the above rules in the interests of the general public.

    If it is unclear whether or not it is compulsory to keep your dog on a lead on your daily walking route, the City of Beckum's Law and Order Department is available to answer any questions on 02521 29-3206 or humann@beckum.de.