Must a dog be on a lead in a public place and how big is the fine?
Yes, in a public place a keeper must provide physical control of the dog, that is keep it on a lead; this is expressly required by the Animal Protection Act (ZZZiv). With an amendment in force since 2025, the fines rose sharply: if a dog is off the lead in a public place, the keeper faces a fine of €600 to €1,200. For dangerous dogs, which must wear a muzzle as well as a lead, the penalties are higher still - €1,000 to €1,600. The keeper must also clean up the dog's waste; this is governed by municipal ordinances, under which fines for not doing so are usually €40 to €130 (€100 in Ljubljana). The widespread myth that a friendly dog needs no lead and that the fine is merely symbolic no longer holds - enforcement is carried out by municipal wardens, the police and the veterinary inspection (UVHVVR), and the fines are among the highest for such offences. A lead protects other people and animals as well as the dog itself.
📋 The rules
- In a public place a dog must be under the keeper's physical control, that is on a lead (ZZZiv).
- Since 2025 the fine is €600-1,200 if a dog is off the lead in a public place.
- Dangerous dogs must wear a lead and a muzzle; the fine is €1,000-1,600.
- The keeper must pick up dog waste; municipal ordinances set fines usually €40-130 (€100 in Ljubljana).
- Enforcement is by municipal wardens and the police (public order) and UVHVVR (animal protection, dangerous dogs).
🔓 Exceptions
- In officially designated dog parks or fenced areas for dogs, letting a dog off the lead is allowed.
- Guide dogs, service and rescue dogs have a special status while performing their tasks.
- The specific duties (where a lead, a muzzle, cleaning) are set in more detail by municipal ordinances, which differ between municipalities.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The fines are among the strictest for such offences: €600 to €1,200 for a dog off the lead in a public place and €1,000 to €1,600 for a dangerous dog without a muzzle. For not picking up waste a municipal warden imposes a fine, usually €40 to €130. If a dog bites or injures someone, the keeper is liable for damages for the injuries, treatment and torn clothing, and in serious cases may also be criminally liable. The veterinary inspection (UVHVVR) can classify a dog that has attacked as dangerous, which brings extra duties (muzzle, fenced area, warning sign) and in extreme cases special measures. The keeper may also face higher liability insurance costs or a refusal of cover if the damage was caused by negligence. Repeat breaches and accidents usually lead to higher penalties and stricter supervision.
📎 Official sources
- PISRS - Animal Protection Act (ZZZiv) →
- UVHVVR - animal protection and welfare, dangerous dogs →
- Official Gazette RS - amendment to the Animal Protection Act →
❓ Frequently asked
Must a dog always be on a lead?
In public places the keeper must keep the dog on a lead, since they must provide physical control of it. Exceptions are officially designated dog parks and fenced areas for dogs, where letting a dog off the lead is allowed, while the specific limits are set by municipal ordinances.
How big is the fine if a dog is off the lead?
Under the amendment in force since 2025, the keeper faces a fine of €600 to €1,200 if a dog is off the lead in a public place. For dangerous dogs, which must also wear a muzzle, the penalties are higher and run from €1,000 to €1,600.
Must I pick up after my dog?
Yes, the keeper must clean up the dog's waste on public surfaces, which is governed by municipal ordinances. The fines for not doing so differ between municipalities and are usually €40 to €130, for example €100 in Ljubljana.
Who supervises dog owners?
Enforcement is by municipal wardens and the police, who check the lead and public order, and by the veterinary inspection UVHVVR. The latter acts mainly in cases of dangerous dogs or improper treatment of animals and can order extra duties.
What if another dog attacks me or my dog?
The keeper of the dog is liable for damage it causes, covering treatment and other loss. Report the attack to the police or the inspection, since UVHVVR can classify such a dog as dangerous and impose extra measures on the keeper.
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