Fighting dog tax in Weinsberg: Savings guaranteed through temperament test!

Fighting dog tax in Weinsberg: Savings guaranteed through temperament test!

There is now good news for all fighting dog owners in Weinsberg: By submitting a character test, you can only pay around 100 euros annually instead of the high fighting dog tax of over 1,000 euros. This change was unanimously approved by the local council and is part of a comprehensive package of regulations intended to ensure greater safety and responsibility among dog owners. Does the law come at the right time for owners of American Staffordshire, Bull Terriers or Pit Bull Terriers? This could show up!

Mayor Birgit Hannemann explains that the high fighting dog tax was originally intended as a security measure, which is now supplemented by the temperament test. Fighting dogs that show increased aggressiveness must complete this test, in which the dogs are evaluated by an official veterinarian and a police officer from the dog squad. If the animals pass this test, they can even remove the muzzle requirement and show that they are a safe, well-socialized family member.

The character test as the key

The personality test is not just a hurdle, but also an opportunity. Dogs that do not pass the test the first time can take it again after a waiting period of at least three months, provided their behavior has changed positively. This is an incentive for owners to properly train and socialize their four-legged friends. However, Julian Engelhard, a proud owner of fighting dogs, advocates for a more far-reaching measure: “A dog license should be introduced in order to check the suitability of the owners more comprehensively and not just that of the dogs,” he says.

The new regulations in Weinsberg can also be seen in the larger context of dog tax in Germany. The rates vary considerably depending on the federal state. While the fighting dog tax has increased over the years in Weinsberg, there are different approaches in other municipalities. The tax amounts for listed dogs are often higher to cover the costs of keeping and controlling them. However, in many cities there are also tax breaks for guide dogs or animal shelter dogs. This leads to a colorful mix of regulations that presents the owners with challenges, but can also offer leeway.

Effectiveness of the regulations in view

The legal situation is shaped by various court rulings that affected the size of fighting dog taxes. The Trier Administrative Court decided that a tax of 1,500 euros for dangerous dogs was not permitted, while the Federal Administrative Court saw 2,000 euros as an extreme limit. This shows that the municipality of Weinsberg is on the right path with its new regulations, which takes into account both the need for security and the freedom of the owners.

Another important aspect is that dogs in Germany usually have to be registered within two to four weeks of being purchased or moved. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties, highlighting the responsibility of owners. Therefore, every dog ​​owner should be well informed when it comes to dog laws, tax liability and possible discounts.

The decision of the local council in Weinsberg could not only have regional effects, but also trigger a discourse about the keeping of fighting dogs and the associated tax regulations. This issue can affect not only dog ​​owners in Weinsberg, but also the entire dog community in the country.

For further information and details about dog tax and the current regulations, visit SWR, Attorney Search service and Hundekratie.