This Order sets minimum animal-welfare requirements for keeping dogs, applying generally to all dog keeping and adding specific rules for guard dogs, livestock guardian dogs, commercial dog trading and breeding, dog boarding facilities and shelters. It prohibits permanent tethering, electric-shock or similar remote devices, harmful collars, transfer of puppies before eight weeks of age, sale or transfer of dogs at markets, unnecessary tail or ear docking, debarking, and improper killing methods, while regulating veterinary procedures, anaesthesia and pain relief. It also establishes breeding rules, including a general ban on breeding where the dog’s health, anatomy, physiology or behaviour may harm the welfare or health of the mother or offspring, a ban on close inbreeding, limits on the age and number of litters of female breeding dogs, and mandatory health screening for certain breeds and conditions such as BOAS, hip and elbow dysplasia, IVDD, syringomyelia and MMVD. For dogs kept at uninhabited sites, guard dogs and livestock guardian dogs, it sets permit, housing, inspection, feeding, water, shelter, signage and veterinary-supervision requirements. For commercial dog businesses, breeding establishments, boarding kennels and shelters, it requires authorisation, suitable premises, records, vaccination, parasite control, hygiene, minimum space, exercise, enrichment, daily human contact, qualified staff, attached veterinary supervision, care guidance for buyers, official inspections and publication of control results. The Order provides penalties, including fines and in some cases imprisonment for up to four months.
Denmark · 2025-05-26