Can I walk my dog without a leash and muzzle?
It depends on the dog's breed and behaviour. Dogs must be kept on a leash, with a collar or harness, by the owner or keeper when in common building areas, on public roads and access paths. For dangerous or aggressive dogs, wearing a muzzle is mandatory in any public space, without exception. Dangerous breeds are split into two categories: category I (fighting and attack dogs — Pit Bull, Boerbull, Bandog and their crossbreeds) and category II (American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Mastino Napoletano, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Caucasian Shepherd, Cane Corso and crossbreeds). Dangerous breeds must also be declared to the police. The owner is liable for the dog's behaviour and any damage caused.
📋 The rules
- Dogs: leash + collar/harness in public and common spaces
- Dangerous/aggressive dogs: muzzle mandatory anywhere in public
- Category I: Pit Bull, Boerbull, Bandog and crossbreeds
- Category II: Amstaff, Rottweiler, Cane Corso, Caucasian Shepherd etc.
- Dangerous breeds: declared to the police
🔓 Exceptions
- Working and assistance dogs: special rules under the law
- The owner's fenced private space: outside the public-leash requirement
- Non-dangerous dogs: leash mandatory, muzzle per local rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Walking dogs in public spaces without a muzzle and leash is sanctioned with fines: as a rule 500–2,000 lei for a missing muzzle on dangerous breeds and 1,500–3,000 lei for dogs without a muzzle or leash in public spaces. The owner is always liable for the damage and bites caused by the dog, and can face criminal liability in serious cases. To comply with the law: keep the dog on a leash with a collar or harness in public spaces, put a muzzle on dangerous and aggressive dogs anywhere in public, declare dangerous breeds to the police, and make sure you have the animal's documents and, where applicable, its microchip. Clean up after the dog and keep it under control in crowded areas.
📎 Official sources
- GEO 55/2002 on the regime of keeping dangerous dogs →
- Romanian Police · Dangerous and aggressive dogs →
- National Sanitary Veterinary Authority (ANSVSA) →
❓ Frequently asked
Must I keep my dog on a leash?
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash, with a collar or harness, by the owner or keeper in common building areas, on public roads and access paths. For dangerous or aggressive dogs, besides the leash, a muzzle is also mandatory in any public space, without exception.
Which dogs must wear a muzzle?
Dangerous and aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle in any public space, without exception. Dangerous breeds include category I (Pit Bull, Boerbull, Bandog and crossbreeds) and category II (American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Caucasian Shepherd and others).
Must I declare a dangerous dog to the police?
Yes. Breeds considered dangerous must be declared to the police, under the special keeping regime. In addition, owners have extra safety duties, such as the muzzle and leash in public spaces, and are liable for the dog's behaviour and any damage caused.
What fines do owners who break the rules face?
Fines are as a rule between 500 and 2,000 lei for a missing muzzle on dangerous breeds and between 1,500 and 3,000 lei for dogs in public spaces without a muzzle or leash. For bites or damage, the owner is liable civilly and, in serious cases, even criminally.
Am I liable for damage my dog causes?
Yes. The owner is always liable for the dog's behaviour and any damage caused, including bites. The liability can be civil, through the duty to pay compensation, and in serious cases even criminal. That's why a leash, a muzzle on dangerous breeds and control of the animal are essential.
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What people search to land here:
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