Dogs must be kept on a lead in built-up areas

Should you nevertheless encounter an unleashed dog, ask the owner to put his or her dog on a lead. If the encounter is not pleasant for both dogs, separate them from one another.

Keep in mind that the person walking a dog is always responsible for it and its behaviour.

The Finnish Kennel Club would like to comment on statements made in the media by pointing out that it is appropriate to take all measures to protect your dog in a threatening situation. A puppy or a small dog can, for example, be picked up for protection.

“These situations are often difficult and surprising, but compliance with the legal requirement to use a lead can help avoid them.”

Legislation concerning dogs:

Public Order Act (612/2003)

According to the Public Order Act, which entered into force on 1.10.2003, dogs must be held on a lead in built-up areas. In a built-up area, they may be unleashed only in dog parks, dog-training venues and enclosed yard areas. The dog must be under the supervision of its owner also in these situations.

The law specifies places where dogs may not be taken unless it is separately permitted. Out of bounds are public bathing beaches, markets during market hours, children's play areas, sports grounds as well as ski trails prepared for public use.

The Public Order Act supersedes municipal public order regulations and applies in all built-up areas. Now that the Public Order Act has entered into force, municipalities cannot issue stricter or more extensive regulations concerning the keeping of dogs.

Non-compliance with the Act may result in a petty fine or a day fine.

Hunting Act (615/1993)

The Hunting Act contains provisions on, inter alia, the duty to keep dogs on a lead, dog trials, dog training and taking dogs into custody. These issues are dealt with in Chapter 8 of the Act (Sections 51–55§). The general points of law that apply to all dog owners are:

“A dog may not be held off a lead on another's property without the permission of the land owner or the holder of the hunting rights.” (Section 53 of the Hunting Act)

“Dogs must be held on a lead or be available for immediate leashing from 1 March to 19 August.” (Section 51 of the Hunting Act)

In other words, the land owner's permission must always be obtained in order to keep dogs unleashed outside built-up areas. This applies even when Section 51 of the Hunting Act does not require dogs to be held on a lead. Keep in mind that a dog must always be controllable by its owner, even if it is lawful to keep it unleashed.