The city promotes animal welfare in cooperation with residents and other authorities, for example, by maintaining dog parks and dog-friendly swimming spots. During winter, ski tracks for skiing with dogs are created whenever possible. You can consult the city’s veterinarians for advice regarding the care and health of both livestock and pets.
Pet owners are responsible for ensuring the appropriate care, nutrition, exercise and health of the animal, as well as ensuring that the animal’s enclosure meets the set requirements. The owner is also responsible for ensuring that the animal does not cause a nuisance to the environment or other residents.
Walking your dog
When walking a dog, you must ensure that the dog is under control and does not pose a danger or nuisance to others.
Keep the dog on a leash or otherwise under control, especially during the following times and in the following places:
According to the Hunting Act, dogs must be kept on a leash or be able to be immediately leashed between 1 March and 19 August.
You may not keep a dog loose on another person’s land without the permission of the landowner or the holder of the hunting rights.
In urban areas, dogs must always be kept on a leash according to the Public Order Act.
A dog may be loose if its safety and control are ensured. This is permitted, for example:
in a closed yard
in a dog training area
in a fenced area for dogs
Always supervise the dog, even if it is in a fenced area.
The same rules also apply to horses and, where applicable, to other pets.
Dogs or cats must not be allowed to run loose on fitness trails or other routes intended for running.
ski tracks or sports fields, unless specifically permitted
The same restrictions also apply to horses and other pets where applicable.
Exceptions
The rules do not apply to:
state-owned dogs on official duty
security dogs on guarding duty
trained rescue dogs during their tasks
assistance dogs
guide dogs
Clean up after your dog
Collect dog waste in urban areas. This keeps the environment clean and prevents health hazards.
You can collect dog waste bin stickers free of charge from the city’s service points, such as Kastelli Service Point, and from the Juteini House in Hattula. A sticker attached to a mixed waste bin informs dog walkers that dog waste bags can be dropped into your bin.
Deceased pets
You may bury a deceased pet in your own yard, provided that the burial does not cause a nuisance to people or animals. If necessary, check the detailed instructions regarding the handling of pets.
You can find more information about keeping livestock, such as cattle, pigs (including mini-pigs), sheep and goats, bees and bumblebees, alpacas and llamas, equines, and poultry, on the website of the Häme Rural Service Unit.
