Analytical Note on Comparative Legislation Concerning the Keeping of Dogs on a Lead and in Enclosures in EU Member States

Abstract. This analytical note outlines the main approaches and characteristics of legislative regulation and law enforcement practices in European Union Member States in the field of animal welfare; in particular, analyses legislative and subordinate regulatory acts, as well as acts of local authorities, which set out requirements for keeping dogs on a lead and in enclosures (including their design), conditions for handling them, certain restrictions or prohibitions, etc. A note has been conducted of the draft Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, as well as the legislation of Germany, Austria, Sweden, Italy, France and Poland governing the keeping of dogs on a lead and in enclosures. Mechanisms of state control and liability for violations in this area have been analysed.

Keywords: European Union legislation on the treatment of dogs, animal welfare, conditions for keeping dogs on a lead, requirements for the design of enclosures, prevention of animal cruelty, administrative and criminal liability for breaches of animal welfare standards

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04/2026