St. Petersburg Enacts Strict New Dog Ownership Laws
New regulations aim to increase public safety and responsible pet ownership, with fines up to 5,000 rubles for violations.
St. Petersburg residents will soon be subject to a complete set of rules governing dog ownership, signed into law by Governor alexander Beglov on November 10th. The legislation, set to take effect on November 20, 2025, outlines responsibilities for owners, stipulations for walking dogs, and penalties for non-compliance.”Fontanka” has detailed the key changes dog owners in St. Petersburg need to prepare for.
Owners Accountable for Pet Behavior and Waste
The new law places a clear onus on dog owners to prevent aggressive behavior from their animals and to ensure they do not cause harm to people, other animals, or property. A core component of the legislation mandates that owners promptly clean up after their pets, removing all waste products in public spaces and common areas of apartment buildings. An exception is made for designated dog-walking areas.
Requirements for Large and Potentially Risky Dogs
Owners of large and potentially dangerous dogs face the most stringent requirements. These include:
- Registration: All such dogs must be registered with the local veterinary authorities.
- Leash and Muzzle: When in public, these dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.2 meters and wear a muzzle.
- Secure Property: Properties housing these dogs must be securely fenced, and a warning sign must be displayed at the entrance to any property housing a large or potentially dangerous dog. the specific design of this sign will be determined and approved by the city governance, known as the Smolny.
Restrictions in Public Spaces
The new law considerably restricts where dogs are permitted in public areas. Dogs are now prohibited from:
- Children’s playgrounds
- Beaches
- Within a 3-meter radius of entrances to schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and social service facilities
- Inside shops, cafes, medical facilities, and cultural institutions (unless explicitly permitted by the establishment’s rules)
- During mass public events, concerts, and festivals
No Unattended Pets
Owners are forbidden from leaving their dogs unattended outside of their designated living space, with exceptions made for temporary veterinary care or other professional services.
Restrictions for Young and Impaired owners
the legislation also addresses the age and sobriety of dog handlers. Individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from walking large or potentially dangerous dogs independently. Walking a dog while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics is also strictly forbidden. The law further prohibits walking two or more large or dangerous dogs simultaneously.
Penalties for violations
Non-compliance with the new regulations will result in administrative fines:
- Up to 3,000 rubles for lacking a fence or warning sign.
- Up to 4,000 rubles for walking a dog off-leash.
- Up to 5,000 rubles for walking a dog without a muzzle or entering prohibited areas.
- Up to 1,000 rubles for parents of minors who violate the rules.
- up to 5,000 rubles for walking a dog while intoxicated or with multiple large dogs.
- Up to 4,000 rubles for leaving a dog unattended.
While the law takes effect on November 20, 2025, certain administrative sanctions will not be enforced for six months, providing residents with a grace period to adjust to the new rules.
List of Potentially Dangerous Breeds
Currently, the city recognizes the following 12 breeds – and their mixed breeds – as potentially dangerous:
- Akbash
- American Bandog
- Ambuldog
- Brazilian Bulldog
- Bully Kutta
- Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
- Bandog
- Wolf-dog hybrids
- Volkosob (wolf hybrid)
- Gull Dong
- Pitbullmastiff
- North Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about updates and further details regarding the implementation of these new dog ownership laws.
