Barcelona police to fine owners of dogs off leash from December 18
City council has set up 109 areas where animals can be walked off-leash
The Barcelona city council will start fining dog owners found without their pets on a leash on December 18.
The council has set up 109 zones around the city where dogs can be walked off-leash between certain hours. Outside these zones, it will be forbidden to walk them without a leash.
Barcelona's deputy mayor, Laia Bonet, said the fine will be 100 euros, and 300 euros if the dog's breed is dangerous. She said the aim of the measure was to "organize the different uses of the city's streets, squares and parks".
Except for the areas reserved for dogs, such as the so-called "pipicans", these off-leash areas are not exclusively for dogs, but for everyone.
For this reason, the city has established time zones where dogs can be off leash, which vary from district to district.
Laia Bonet said that some of these areas have already been marked and a campaign to inform the public has been launched. Barcelona's local police, Guàrdia Urbana, will ensure that the new rule is enforced.