Can your dog run up to anyone?

Can Your Dog Run Up to Anyone?

Table of Contents

1. Can your dog run up to anyone?

2. What does the law say?

   • Article 77 of the Code of Petty Offences

   • Article 431 of the Civil Code

3. Letting your dog off the lead – what do the regulations say?

4. Letting your dog off the lead in the forest

5. Where should you report an unsafe incident?

1. Can your dog run up to anyone?

Absolutely not.

It is dangerous and irresponsible. It can negatively affect the mental well-being of other animals and their owners, as well as undo progress that has taken weeks to achieve.

2. What does the law say?

Article 77 of the Code of Petty Offences states that:

• Anyone who fails to take the usual or legally required precautions when keeping an animal may be subject to a restriction of liberty, a fine of up to PLN 1,000, or a reprimand.

• Anyone who commits such an offence while keeping an animal whose behaviour poses a danger to human life or health may be subject to a restriction of liberty, a fine, or a reprimand.

Article 431 of the Civil Code concerns liability for damage caused by animals.

Importantly, simply claiming that an animal got lost or escaped is not enough to avoid liability. Being responsible for an animal means being accountable for its actions and behaving appropriately towards both the animal and the people and animals around it.

3. Letting your dog off the lead – what do the regulations say?

So, what are the rules on letting your dog off the lead? Is it allowed everywhere, or is it prohibited? Or is it permitted only under certain conditions?

Under Article 10a of Poland’s Animal Protection Act, dogs must not be allowed to roam without being kept under control and without identification that makes it possible to identify their owner or handler.

What does this actually mean? Keeping a dog under control means being able to supervise its behaviour. This may involve keeping it on a lead or effectively controlling it through verbal commands.

It is not sufficient to argue: “My dog has always come when called; this was the first time it didn’t.” If a dog fails to respond to recall, this may indicate that the handler does not have effective control over it.

4. Letting your dog off the lead in the forest

WARNING! In Polish forests, dogs are generally prohibited from being allowed off the lead, except in circumstances related to hunting. This prohibition is set out in Article 30 of the Forests Act, and violations may be punishable under Article 166 of the Code of Petty Offences.

5. Where should you report an unsafe incident?

You can report such an incident to the Police.

A video recording of the incident, photographs and medical documentation may be helpful. If a bite occurs, it is worth obtaining documentation from a veterinarian if an animal was injured, or from a doctor if a person was injured.

If the Police refuse to accept your report, ask for written documentation of the refusal, including the date and legal grounds for it.

Wishing you safe and peaceful walks! 🐾