Can I let my dog off the lead?
Generally no: in public places dogs must be on a lead. Under the Health Ministry order on public safety, in public places and places open to the public a dog must be kept on a lead, with a maximum length of 1.5 metres. You must also carry a muzzle (rigid or soft) and put it on at the authorities' request or when there's a risk to people or animals. The exception is going off-lead in fenced, equipped dog areas. You must always pick up waste. Municipalities can add their own rules (banned zones, hours), and reinforced precautions apply to dogs considered higher-risk.
📋 The rules
- In public places: lead max 1.5 metres
- Muzzle always carried, to put on if requested or if there's risk
- Off-lead only in fenced dog areas
- Duty to pick up waste
- Municipalities can add rules and banned zones
🔓 Exceptions
- Fenced, equipped dog areas: the dog can be off-lead
- Assistance dogs for disabled people: specific rules
- Working/hunting dogs in authorised contexts: own rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Walking the dog off-lead where required, not carrying the muzzle or not picking up waste carries administrative sanctions set by the order and municipal rules. The owner is always liable for damage the dog causes: in case of a bite or attack, civil and, in serious cases, criminal liability (negligent injury) can arise. To avoid problems, keep the dog on a lead in public places, always carry the muzzle, pick up waste and check your municipality's rules and the areas where the dog can be off-lead.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of Health · Public safety from dog attacks →
- Normattiva · Orders and animal protection →
- Municipalities · Animal-keeping rules →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I let my dog loose at the park?
Only in fenced, equipped dog areas. In other public places the dog must be kept on a lead of maximum 1.5 metres. Check your municipality's rules, which indicate where the dog can be off-lead and which areas are off-limits.
Is a muzzle always mandatory?
You must always carry it when taking the dog to public places, but you're not required to keep it on at all times: it must be put on at the authorities' request or when there's a risk to people or other animals. So carrying it is mandatory, using it always isn't.
Do I have to pick up my dog's waste?
Yes, always. Picking up your dog's waste in public places is mandatory and failing to do so is sanctioned by municipal rules. It's best to always carry the proper bags when going out with the dog.
What's the risk if the dog isn't on a lead?
An administrative sanction under the Health Ministry order and municipal rules. Also, the owner is liable for damage the dog causes: in case of a bite or attack, civil and, in serious cases, criminal consequences are at stake.
Are there extra rules for certain dogs?
Yes. For dogs that may be more dangerous, or flagged as such, reinforced precautions apply (use of lead and muzzle, taking out insurance, training courses for the owner). Specific rules can vary from municipality to municipality.
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