Browse practical notes, regulatory developments and case discussions. Older articles are retained as historical material; they do not replace a current assessment of the applicable rules.
2026
2026-11-08 · Retrospective
2022 reform review: the EU veterinary medicines framework
A retrospective on the EU veterinary medicines framework introduced in 2022 and its significance for product businesses and veterinary practices.
2026-11-08 · Retrospective
2016 case review: gross veterinary treatment errors
A review of the 2016 veterinary negligence case and the evidential questions raised by gross treatment errors.
2026-11-08
EU dog and cat welfare: planning for the new framework
What breeders, sellers and shelters should examine when planning for the new EU dog and cat welfare framework, including the distinction between adoption and application dates.
2026-11-08
Animal transport in 2026: current duties and proposed reform
A practical distinction between existing animal transport duties and proposed reform, with priorities for transport businesses.
2026-11-08
Veterinary product information: preparing for January 2027
Product-information planning for veterinary medicine authorisation holders ahead of the January 2027 transition deadline.
2026-11-08
Medicated feed in 2026: homogeneity and cross-contamination
How the Commission’s 2026 guidance relates to homogeneity and cross-contamination controls in medicated feed production.
2025
2025-05-22
Germany Animal Law in 2025
An archive review of the 2025 welfare reform debate and the importance of checking whether proposed measures became binding law.
2025-02-19
German animal law, animal owner liability, and veterinary law
How animal keeper liability, welfare issues and veterinary treatment questions can arise from the same incident but require separate assessments.
2025-01-17
Recent Developments in Animal Law
An updated reading of earlier animal-law developments, distinguishing policy proposals from applicable requirements.
2023
2023-03-27
Legally speaking: are animals just things?
An introduction to the legal status of animals under German civil law and its significance for everyday disputes.
2022
2022-09-12
Animals Regulations for the Entry into the European Union
An archive introduction to travelling into the EU with dogs, cats and ferrets. Check current requirements for your route before travelling.
2022-08-04
Rights of a cat living outside of the house – German Law
A case discussion about outdoor cats, neighbouring properties and the limits of competing interests.
2022-07-13
Bee Law in Germany
An overview of legal issues in beekeeping, including neighbours, liability and the regulation of the activity.
2022-06-08
Rights and Duties of a Cat-Owner in Germany
An archive introduction to cat ownership and identification issues. Local requirements and later changes require a current check.
2022-05-06
Purchase of an animal: Check-List
Questions to ask before purchasing an animal, from the seller’s identity to health records and the purchase agreement.
2022-04-13
Regional Dog Register – Lower Saxony Regulation
An archive overview of dog registration in Lower Saxony and the distinction between registration and other owner obligations.
2022-03-25
Hundeführerschein: The Dog Owner License in Germany
An introduction to dog-owner competence requirements and why the applicable regional rules matter.
2022-02-18
What is Animal Liability Law in Germany?
A guide to the types of accidents that can lead to animal liability claims and insurance questions.
2022-01-27
Federal Nature Conservation Act – Wolves Decisions
A historical discussion of a wolf-related nature conservation dispute and the role of administrative court review.
2021
2021-11-15
Transport of animals: the last tribunal resolutions
An archive report on court proceedings concerning animal transport and the assessment of welfare risks.
2021-09-28
The 5-Fs Rules on Animal Welfare
An introduction to the animal-welfare discussion around the five freedoms and practical husbandry conditions.
2021-09-09
“Hundesteuer” – German Tax on Dogs
An archive introduction to municipal dog taxation. Rates and exemptions depend on the relevant local rules.
2021-03-16
German Animal law
A starting point for the legal responsibilities associated with keeping animals in Germany.
2021-02-08
Compensation for damages: vet costs
A historical case discussion about veterinary treatment costs following an injury and the assessment of compensation.
2020
2020-12-01
Cows and parked vehicles – Liability Issues
A case involving cattle and a parked vehicle, illustrating how the circumstances of an animal-related accident affect a liability dispute.
2020-11-17
Father and sledge dogs´ owner: an oxymoron?
A family-law case discussion involving sled dogs and the assessment of a child’s living arrangements.
2019
2019-06-25
Riding Instructor
A historical riding-lesson case examining the instructor’s role in assessing and managing risks.
2019-06-25
Barking at the garden fence
A case discussion about a dog at a garden fence and a passer-by’s resulting injury.
2019-06-25
Liability issues in the event of a riding accident
A historical riding-accident decision and the liability questions that can arise when another person rides a horse.
2019-06-25
Scared passersby
A case concerning frightened passers-by and damage allegedly caused by freely running dogs.
2019-06-25
“Dogs must be on leash”
Historical decisions involving leash requirements, animal incidents and responsibility for treatment costs.
2019-06-25
Male dog holder does not have to be liable for mating
A historical dispute following unplanned mating and a claim for compensation.