New Regulations for Dog Walking in Odesa
The Odesa city administration is currently working on a draft decision aimed at addressing the issue of walking large dogs without muzzles and leashes. It is expected that this document will be submitted for approval to the city council in 2025.
Details of the Issue
The issue of dog owners walking their large pets without proper restraints has been a concern since 2020. However, there are still no effective mechanisms in place to address this problem. Council members insist on the need for new rules governing pet walking within the city, although the document is still under development.
"Unfortunately, owners of large breeds, particularly aggressive ones, continue to walk their dogs without muzzles and leashes. There have been instances where large dogs have attacked people, including children, causing damage to clothing and injuries. We aim to enable our services to fine and monitor dog owners," stated a member of the Odesa city council.
The ecology department noted that they cannot yet finalize rules that would allow for fines for walking large dogs without muzzles, as current legislation does not permit this.