Dog tax without compensation: frustration among dog owners in Saxony-Anhalt!

Dog tax without compensation: frustration among dog owners in Saxony-Anhalt!

In the current discussion about the dog tax in Germany, there is a clear tension between duty and benefit. How MDR reports, the dog tax varies between 30 and over 100 euros annually depending on where you live. However, there is often no offer in return for the dog owners. Dog owners are particularly frustrated in Bad Schmiedeberg because there are no garbage containers to be found even in the new development area, which makes disposing of dog waste a test of patience.

In other cities such as Bitterfeld-Wolfen, the authorities have introduced a compulsory levy on dog waste bags, but at the same time have reduced the number of rubbish bins. This is causing dissatisfaction among residents as problems with dog waste and overfilled waste bags are increasing. A look back at history reveals that the dog tax was introduced as a luxury tax in Offenbach am Main as early as 1807. It will now bring the state of Saxony-Anhalt revenue of 12.4 million euros in 2024 from around 200,000 registered dogs.

The responsibility of dog owners

The responsibility for dog waste disposal clearly lies with the owners. But how Pets Knowledge notes, there is often a lack of the necessary disposal options, which complicates the situation. In Kemberg, garbage boxes for dog waste were removed because they were also being misused for other waste. Mayor Torsten Seelig then advised people to dispose of dog waste at home.

But the regulations regarding dog ownership should not be neglected either. In many cities, leashes are mandatory, especially in densely populated areas. Certain “dangerous” breeds even require a muzzle. The dog tax also varies depending on the breed. Breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Rottweiler have to expect higher taxes.

Future of dog ownership and taxation

The President of the Taxpayers' Association of Saxony-Anhalt, Ralf Seibicke, is calling for the dog tax to be abolished because he sees no factual basis for the current regulation. In contrast, the city of Magdeburg sees the dog tax as an important regulatory measure to regulate the dog population.

From 2025, there will also be a general obligation to use dog waste bags in Germany through legal regulations. How GetDoggl explains, dog owners should familiarize themselves with these new requirements in order to prevent possible problems. In some regions, such as Allgäu and Wittenberg, the conditions for dog owners are already better because special trash cans and dog parks are provided.

It remains to be hoped that the recommended changes will be worked on to promote harmonious coexistence between humans and dogs in our cities.