After a death: PETA demands dog licenses for safe owners!
After a fatal biting incident in Bavaria, PETA is calling for the introduction of a dog license to improve dog owner training.

After a death: PETA demands dog licenses for safe owners!
In the last few weeks, the discussion about keeping dogs in Germany has gained momentum. The reason for this is several incidents that once again raise the question of whether a mandatory dog license makes sense and is necessary in Germany. The animal protection organization PETA is calling for comprehensive regulations not only in Bavaria but also in other parts of the country to ensure that dog owners are better prepared for their animals. Mercury reports that this push was motivated by tragic incidents, such as in Tulling, where a dog was killed and an owner injured.
Another dramatic incident occurred in Coburg: a dog running loose bit a 42-year-old on the hand. Here too, the responsible dog owner, a 49-year-old, is the focus of the investigation for negligent bodily harm and insult. This makes it clear that dealing with dogs is often not only a question of animal welfare, but also a question of public safety. Loud NP Coburg In this context, PETA shows that proof of expertise for dog owners would ultimately also be beneficial for their safety and the well-being of the dogs themselves.
The advantages of the dog license
A survey conducted by PETA in August 2023 showed that 68% of adults living in Germany support a dog license. According to the organization, the focus is often not on the dog, but on the owners, who often have difficulty interpreting their animals' body language correctly. A dog license could enable dog owners to take better care of their four-legged friends and avoid conflict situations.
The required dog license should include a theory course that imparts basic knowledge about animal-friendly husbandry and communication. A practical seminar would then be held at a dog school to ensure that the owner and dog are optimally matched to one another. How DogiFly As explained, there are already various regulations regarding dog driving licenses in Germany, which vary depending on the federal state. In many federal states, owners of a certain breed of dog or large dogs already have to provide proof of knowledge.
Regulations in Germany
- Der Hundeführerschein dient als Nachweis über die Sachkunde des Halters.
- Er umfasst eine theoretische und eine praktische Prüfung.
- Vor allem Halter bestimmter Rassen müssen spezielle Anforderungen erfüllen.
These requirements are particularly strict for dangerous breeds, also known as listed dogs. Owners often not only have to take a knowledge test, but also provide additional evidence, such as a police certificate of good conduct with no relevant criminal record and liability insurance for their dog. These regulations are intended not only to increase the safety of the public, but also to promote the welfare of the animals themselves.
The mayor of Steinhöring, Martina Lietsch, has already spoken out in favor of introducing a dog driving license. Your community plans to contact the owner of a dog in question and discuss further measures to ensure incidents like those in Tulling or Coburg are avoided in the future.
It remains to be seen how the discussion about dog licenses will develop, but support among the population appears to be strong. A uniform dog license could actually make a meaningful contribution to responsible dog ownership and thus to safety in our cities.