The keeper of animals is obliged to ensure the keeping, breeding, guarding, supervision, care, feeding, hygiene conditions, treatment, protection and welfare of domestic animals in accordance with the legal provisions prescribed separately for each species, in a manner that ensures protection of the environment from pollution of any kind, as well as full protection of third parties from disturbance (Decision)
We would like to draw your attention to the rights and obligations of dog owners, so that together we can help preserve public order and peace and the safety of all citizens.
Owning a dog carries certain responsibilities that all owners should recognise and respect.
Below we provide some key information on the rights and obligations that come with owning a dog.
- Keeping the dog under supervision:
Every dog owner must keep their pet under supervision at all times. This means that the dog must be on a lead when walked outside enclosed areas or in public spaces where running free is not permitted. In this way you ensure the safety of your dog as well as of other people and animals around you.
The keeper of a dog is obliged to display a sign in a visible place on the entrance door or gate: Beware of the dog
The keeper of a dog is obliged to prevent it from leaving the yard freely and uncontrolled, and to prevent it from jumping at the gate and fence and frightening third parties (Decision)
- Regular vaccination and microchipping:
The owner is responsible for having their dog vaccinated regularly to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Microchipping of dogs is also compulsory, to make it easier to identify them and return them if they get lost or run away. Both measures help keep dogs healthy and also prevent potential problems with other animals and people.
- Hygiene and cleanliness:
As a responsible owner, you are obliged to maintain your dog’s hygiene and cleanliness.
If a dog or cat soils the staircase or other common areas in multi-dwelling residential buildings, a public-purpose area or an area in public use, or the shared yard of family residential buildings, the keeper of the animal is obliged to clean and wash the soiled surface without delay and, if necessary, disinfect it (Decision)
Specially designed dog waste bags can be used.
In this way you help maintain a clean and healthy environment for all citizens.
- Observing rules and restrictions:
Local regulations and restrictions on dog ownership in the City of Smederevo are laid down in the Decision on the Conditions for Keeping, Handling and Protecting Domestic Animals in the Territory of the City of Smederevo (Official Gazette of the City of Smederevo, No. 9/2021).
This Decision regulates the conditions and manner of keeping and protecting domestic animals in the territory of the City of Smederevo, including the rules on keeping and guarding dogs.
Compliance with this Decision is overseen by the Municipal Inspectorate and the Municipal Police departments, and the prescribed penalties range up to RSD 150,000.
- Socialisation and training of dogs:
Socialisation and training are key to raising good-natured, well-behaved pets. Dog owners should make sure to socialise their dog so that it gets used to other animals, people and different situations. Training is also important to establish basic commands.
This not only makes it easier to manage the dog in public but also helps create a safe and friendly environment for everyone.
- Protection against injuries and attacks:
As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to take all necessary measures to prevent injuries to other people and animals. This means paying attention to your dog’s temperament, especially if it is prone to aggressive behaviour. Always keep your dog under control and be careful around children or other dogs. If you notice any unsafe behaviour in your dog, you need to take steps to address the problem.
- Respecting the rights of other citizens:
Bear in mind that many people do not feel comfortable around dogs. It is therefore important to respect the rights and privacy of other citizens. If you are in a public space or in premises not intended for dogs, be careful and considerate to avoid unnecessary discomfort or conflict.
We hope this information will help all dog owners understand their rights and obligations. It is important that we all work together to preserve safety, health and peace in our city.
If we, as dog owners, recognise and fulfil our responsibilities, we can create a friendly environment for all citizens and our four-legged friends.
Your Municipal Police
