BJ copywriter Konstantin Marrakh lives in the Marzahn district of Bisdorf and thinks that the linen rules in Berlin are too lenient. Photo: dpa/picture-alliance
Konstantin Marrakh
My native district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf is one of the richest districts in the capital with dogs. What many owners in our area do not seem to know is that since the beginning of 2019 leashes have been mandatory in public places in Berlin.
Again and again you meet dogs running off-leash on the streets of Marzan, in front of supermarkets and even in houses. Here are some examples:
► Recently my little daughters, my wife and I returned home after a trip. The elevator opened and the neighbor’s large white dog, without warning (and without a muzzle), pounced on us. Of course, there was a lot of screaming from the girls and an awkward feeling from us parents. The neighbor only casually apologized, his dog was not on a leash.
► A few weeks earlier, I came from the store, did not close the door of the apartment properly, it was still ajar. A few minutes later, we were all very frightened when suddenly two dogs appeared at the door of our living room and barked loudly. Another neighbor let animals up the stairs (and into our apartment) without a leash…
► And then I remember shopping at the nearest supermarket. In front of the door stood a fighting dog – untied. Some customers did not even dare to enter and turned around. I also waited as a precaution. After a good ten minutes, the owner finally came and took the animal. Of course, no leash…
The list of such experiences is long. And if you kindly ask the owners to tie up their animals, you will either get an angry head shake or, at worst, an aggressive comment.
Of course, dogs need exercise and should run off-leash. However, owners should be especially attentive to young children. Their thoughtless movement can be misunderstood by the dog too quickly…
