Verdict: Noise from dogs in dog playground must be tolerated

  • 1 year ago

Noise caused by dogs in a dog playground in a residential area is reasonable as long as it does not exceed the applicable immission guide values. This was decided by the Berlin Administrative Court (VG 24 K 148.19). A local resident had complained about noise pollution and the alleged use of the dog playground outside of the specified opening hours, which was set up by the Lichtenberg district authority in Fennpfuhlpark and is operated by a private citizens' association.

The court found that the resident could not demand the closure of the dog playground, as the resulting noise was reasonable. A noise level measurement in the plaintiff's apartment showed that the permissible immission guide values of 55 dB(A) were complied with during the day, albeit only just. The different pitches and pulses of the dog barking were also taken into account in this measurement with an increase of 9.3 dB(A).

According to the administrative court, keeping dogs and the associated exercise areas are part of the typical cityscape of a metropolis. A dog playground therefore makes sense and may even be necessary to limit the free movement of dogs in a green area. The fencing and regular locking of the playground by volunteers from the citizens' association was recognized as a sufficient measure to comply with the opening hours. An appeal against the ruling can be lodged with the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court.

Source and further information: berlin.de/VG 24 K 148.19
© Fotolia

Compare listings

Compare