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Recent reports indicate that a significant number of pet dogs in Berlin are being kept in violation of local regulations, attributed to a backlash against unpopular registration requirements introduced following a surge in dog ownership during the pandemic.
In Berlin, dogs have historically been subject to taxation, primarily aimed at covering sanitation expenses related to pet ownership.
A new regulation implemented in 2022 mandates that all dog owners must register their pets using information from implanted microchips, which have been required for dogs from the age of three months. This policy has faced criticism due to perceived inconveniences and the financial burden it imposes on owners.
Recent figures from Berlin’s 17 district tax offices reveal that there were 131,258 dogs registered by the end of last year, contributing to a total revenue of €12.7 million (£10.8 million), according to local media reports.
However, the official Hunderegister (dog registry) lists only 66,221 dogs, suggesting that around half of the dogs liable for taxation are not officially registered.
A spokesperson for the Berlin city government was unable to independently verify these statistics but referenced media claims that the low registration rates stem from a lack of awareness regarding the new policy, concerns about data privacy, and hesitancy over additional costs.
The purpose of the dog registry is to assist in locating missing pets, enhance animal welfare, and track dogs that may pose aggressive risks.
Initially, many dog owners expressed dissatisfaction regarding the cost associated with reporting their pets’ microchip numbers, which is priced at €17.50 for online registration and €26.50 for telephone submissions. These fees are managed by a private firm contracted by the city to operate the Hunderegister.
“The current data illustrates a significant discrepancy between the number of dogs taxed and those registered,” remarked Alexander J Herrmann, a legal affairs expert from the Christian Democratic Union, a party involved in the German government, as reported by BZ.
Herrmann acknowledged that while there has been a noticeable increase in registry entries over the past year, it is concerning that over 65,000 dogs remain unregistered.
Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines reaching up to €10,000, and public order officials are conducting random checks for microchips in parks and other public spaces.
Herrmann has raised concerns that the actual number of unregistered dogs could be even higher, complicating effective enforcement and public safety measures.
Statistical data indicates that last year, there were 523 reported dog attacks in Berlin, with 97 incidents involving dogs threatening individuals and 357 cases where dogs bit other pets.
Additionally, a law enacted in 2016 requires that certain breeds classified as particularly dangerous, such as pit bulls and American Staffordshire terriers, undergo separate registration processes.
Source
www.theguardian.com