Leash rules: Bremen

sourcedchecked on 28 October 2026

Summary

At certain places, dangerous dogs

The rule

All dogs must be led on a suitable, tear-resistant leash: in pedestrian zones; at gatherings, fairs and other events with crowds of people; in publicly accessible, enclosed or bounded parks and green spaces (except designated dog exercise areas); in apartment buildings on access paths, in stairwells, lifts, corridors and common rooms; in publicly accessible buildings and on public transport; in sports facilities and on tent and camping sites; in cemeteries and at markets and trade fairs (§ 2 Abs. 2 BremHundeG). Dogs may not be taken onto children's playgrounds; onto marked sunbathing and play lawns in public parks only from 1 October to 31 March (§ 2 Abs. 3). Outside escape-proof premises, dangerous dogs must always be leashed (§ 14 Abs. 3).

More details from the source

Exceptions

The leash requirement under § 2 Abs. 2 does not apply to assistance dogs or to dogs of search and rescue services, police and civil protection on duty; working hunting dogs during lawful hunting are exempt in green spaces, sports facilities, campsites and cemeteries. The local police authority can allow exceptions for green spaces, apartment buildings and sports and camping sites in individual cases. For dangerous dogs it can lift the leash or muzzle requirement wholly or partly on application (§ 14 Abs. 3).

Muzzle

Outside escape-proof premises, dangerous dogs wear a bite-proof muzzle that complies with animal welfare (§ 14 Abs. 3).

Source

Bremisches Gesetz über das Halten von Hunden (BremHundeG) vom 24. Juni 2025, Gesetzblatt der Freien Hansestadt Bremen 2025 Nr. 80, S. 598; Änderungsgesetz vom 24. März 2026 (Brem.GBl. 2026 Nr. 46, S. 312) read, only amends § 18 Abs. 2

checked on 28 October 2026