According to the head of the public order service, Markus von Wirtz, this reminder has nothing to do with the dog Minnie, who is said to have been carried off by a free-roaming dog at the beginning of February and whose disappearance has not yet been clarified. "The weather is getting nicer and dog owners are again seeking out paths in the forest and countryside. At the same time, it’s the season for young animals. There are more encounters," says von Wirtz. The biggest problem, he says, is free-roaming dogs that can't be called off. "My dog doesn’t do anything," his staff often hear. As a rule, they appeal to people's understanding. But if the dog takes chase, the town takes action and files a charge.

So that it does not come to that point, the following rules apply: "We ask you to support and observe the rules, so that our many efforts for more environmental protection and safety in the municipality of Wachtberg pay off and make it easier for you, your dog and all fellow citizens to live together," says the Wachberg municipal administration.

Dogs are to be kept, led and supervised in such a way that they present no danger for life or health of humans or animals, communicates the administration. Dogs may not be taken to children's playgrounds or sunbathing areas.

Dogs must be kept on a leash: Within built-up areas, dogs must be kept on a leash on public roads, sidewalks and in public squares. They are also not allowed to run free in green and recreational areas. Outside of built-up areas/towns, dogs may be off-leash on public paths. In Wachtberg, however, dogs must be kept on a leash in the designated nature reserves Rodderberg, Dächelsberg/Ließemer Berg and Kottenforst. In the forest, dogs must be kept on a leash away from public forest paths to protect game.

Dog excrement: Time and again, the Wachtberg town hall receives complaints about dog excrement on sidewalks and in front yards. In any case, the dog's droppings must be removed immediately. Even away from the town, not all places are safe for dog excrement, for example if animal fodder or food are grown there. Dog excrement can transmit parasites to cattle.

In Wachtberg, the problem with dog excrement is "totally extreme," says local farmer Michael Hüllen. "In Bonn, there is a leash requirement. People from the outlying areas come to us with their dogs in their cars." Many are unaware of the damage droppings do to grassland, he adds. "The cow can lose her calf," Hüllen clarifies. He also observes that the dog dropping bags are not disposed of properly, but are simply tossed away and adds that there are always people who do not cooperate. However, he hopes that as many dog owners as possible will be considerate when out walking in nature so that their dogs do not pollute agricultural areas.

(Origigal text: Bettina Köhl / Translation: Carol Kloeppel)