Regulations relating to a requirement to keep dogs on a leash in Svalbard

Laid down by Royal Decree on 28 June 2002 pursuant to section 35 of the Act of 15 June 2001 No. 79 relating to the protection of the environment in Svalbard and section 4 of Act of 17 July 1925 No. 11 relating to Svalbard.

The purpose of these regulations is to protect people and the fauna in Svalbard from dogs that are not on a leash.

The translation is not official; it is provided for information purposes only. In the event of any inconsistency, the Norwegian version shall prevail.

§ 1. (purpose)

The purpose of these regulations is to protect people and the fauna in Svalbard from dogs that are not on a leash.

§ 2. (requirement to keep dogs on a leash)

Dogs of the breeds Samoyed, Greenland dog, Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute, and cross-breeds in which the size and temperament indicate that northern breeds are dominant, shall be kept on a leash or safely confined or fenced in at all times of year.

The Governor may also order that individual dogs of other breeds or cross-breeds than those listed in the first paragraph are to be kept on a leash at all times of year if such dogs represent a risk of injury to people or the fauna.

The owner or possessor of any other dog than those mentioned in the first and second paragraphs shall keep the dog on a leash or safely confined or fenced in during the period 15 May to 15 August.

§ 3. (duty to keep a dog under appropriate control)

In areas that are open for general access and passage, dogs that are not on a leash must be controlled in an appropriate manner at all times of year.

§ 4. (exemptions)

In special cases, the Governor may grant exemptions from section 2 of these regulations.

§ 5. (dogs that must be put down)

The Governor may require a dog to be put down or arrange for a dog to be put down if it is not kept on a leash as required by the provisions of these regulations or if it represents a risk for people or animals in Svalbard.

§ 6. (amendments)

The Governor may amend these regulations.

§ 7. (entry into force and repeal of other regulations)

These regulations enter into force on 1 July 2002. From the same date, the Regulations of 16 ovember 1989 No. 1257 relating to the requirement to keep dogs on a leash in Svalbard are repealed.

Read regulation at lovdata.no

Related act