Alcoholic and aggressive: dog and owner in Bremervörde in focus!
On July 16, 2025, a witness in Bremervörde alerted the police about an alcoholic dog owner who was mistreating his dog.

Alcoholic and aggressive: dog and owner in Bremervörde in focus!
On Monday afternoon, July 16, 2025, around 3:20 p.m., the police in Bremervörde were alerted. An attentive witness observed how a 45-year-old man pushed his dog to the ground in front of a supermarket on Marktstrasse and threw it on its back. This immediately raised the concern of the witness, who immediately called the police. Fortunately, when emergency services arrived, it turned out that the dog was in good health and had no visible injuries. Nevertheless, according to the officers, the dog owner was drunk, which further complicated the situation. The police have initiated an investigation under the Animal Protection Act, whereby the presumption of innocence also applies here. Further witnesses are still being sought who may have observed what happened in front of the supermarket. The Bremervörde police are asking for information on 04761-74890.
Responsibility of the animal owners
The Animal Protection Act, which applies in both Germany and Austria, places clear responsibility on the shoulders of animal owners. As explained on the Animal in Law website, owners are obliged to meet the needs of their animals and ensure their physical and mental well-being. This responsibility means that animals must be protected from harm, suffering, pain and fear. Contact with people and, where possible, with other animals is essential for species-appropriate husbandry. Dogs therefore need to be exercised and kept busy every day - options such as staying in a kennel or walking chain are not considered exercise.
The Animal Protection Act also requires species-appropriate accommodation for animals. Dogs must live in an appropriate environment that allows them to develop their natural behavior. These legal requirements were introduced in 2005 and have since undergone many changes to further ensure the welfare of animals. The last major reform took place on December 20, 2022, with the law being particularly focused on animal rights. Cruelty to animals is punishable by up to three years in prison.
The role of animal welfare
The situation in Bremervörde reflects the overall societal discussion about animal protection. For example, more than 500,000 people in Austria support a referendum for animal rights. The legal situation is constantly being revised to reflect new social and scientific developments. Animal protection organizations in Germany are actively committed to improving the living conditions of animals and compliance with animal protection law. A planned amendment to the Animal Protection Act for May 2024 also includes important points such as the ban on tethering cattle and cruel breeding.
What we can learn from this incident is the important point that every dog owner must be aware of their responsibilities. It is essential to respect the dignity of animals and ensure that they can lead a healthy and species-appropriate life. For further information on the legal framework for keeping dogs, the animal protection website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture is available. Here, pet owners can find useful tips and concise information to ensure they comply with applicable regulations.