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Dog fight on the street: Spike is bitten by a dog running loose!
On May 28, 2025, a biting incident was reported in Spiesen-Elversberg in which a dog was attacked. Find out more about the legal consequences and measures.
Dog fight on the street: Spike is bitten by a dog running loose!
Late on Easter Sunday, May 28, 2025, an incident occurred in Saarland that made both pet and dog owners sit up and take notice. Michel Pfeiffer was walking with his dog Spike at around 10 p.m. when a free-running mixed-breed dog about 40 centimeters high suddenly attacked and bit Spike on the side. Pfeiffer, who was concerned about the well-being of his four-legged companion, described how the attacking dog had difficulty being fended off and then escaped. This situation has not only put Spike's well-being into question, but also raises questions about dog owner responsibility.
According to reports from the Saarbrücken newspaper The issue of dog bites is a serious problem that repeatedly leads to discussions about safety in public. Many affected dog owners and animal lovers are calling for clear guidelines and measures to avoid such incidents and increase safety for everyone involved.
Legal framework for biting incidents
A dog bite has legal consequences that can affect both the owner of the attacking dog and the affected parties. After a biting incident, it is possible to file a report with the police or the relevant regulatory authority. After a hearing, this decides whether the dog is classified as dangerous within the meaning of the respective state dog laws, as shown on the page tierrecht-anwalt.de is explained. Such decisions may impose conditions such as leash and muzzle requirements, temperament tests or even euthanasia of the dog, especially if the incident was of a serious nature.
Regulations vary by state, but measures may include “soft” requirements that may become stricter over time depending on the severity of the incident. It is possible that official requirements will increase explosively if the dog owner is perceived as not being responsible.
Responsibility of the dog owner
Dog owners are legally obliged to avoid conflicts between dogs. Injuries resulting from brief fights following social contact are not necessarily considered aggressive unless special circumstances exist. Nevertheless, it is the owner's duty to minimize all possible safety risks. This is particularly true in public places where encounters between dogs are common and can potentially result in injury.
Incidents like Michel Pfeiffer's can have not only emotional but also financial consequences. Claims for damages and pain and suffering can be made against the owner of the attacking dog, highlighting the additional responsibility of the owners. Depending on the evidence and the circumstances of the incident, these legal battles can be lengthy and complex, as defining a “biting incident” and determining which dog is responsible are crucial.
Given this situation, it becomes necessary for both dog owners and relevant authorities to develop measures to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of both people and animals. The announcement of much-needed guidelines and points of contact is expected by society to restore trust between dog owners and the rest of the population.