Turku City Regulation on Dog Control

Based on Section 14 of the Municipal Act (410/2015) and Section 14 of the Public Order Act (612/2003).

§ 1 Purpose

The purpose of this regulation is to promote public order and safety, maintain environmental cleanliness, and ensure the peaceful coexistence of residents and animals within the City of Turku.

§ 2 Scope of Application

This regulation applies to the keeping and handling of dogs within the administrative area of the City of Turku.

§ 3 Leash Requirement

(1) Dogs must be kept on a leash within the entire public area of the City of Turku, unless otherwise specifically allowed by this regulation or designated signage.
(2) Exemptions from the leash requirement apply to designated dog parks (koirapuisto) and official dog training areas (koirien harjoitusalueet), where dogs may be unleashed under the direct control of their owner.

§ 4 Waste Collection Obligation

(1) The owner or keeper of a dog is obligated to immediately collect any faeces left by their dog in public areas, including streets, parks, designated walking paths, and children's playgrounds.
(2) Faeces must be collected in a sealed bag and disposed of in designated waste bins.

§ 5 Access Restrictions

(1) Dogs are not permitted in marked public bathing beaches (uimarannat), children's playgrounds (leikkikentät), or designated public sports fields (urheilukentät) unless otherwise indicated by signage.
(2) Assistance dogs (avustajakoira) and guide dogs (opaskoira) are exempt from the restrictions mentioned in subsection (1).

§ 6 Disturbance Prevention

(1) Dogs must be kept in a manner that does not cause unnecessary disturbance, fear, or damage to other residents or property.
(2) Prolonged or recurring loud barking, especially at night, is prohibited if it significantly disturbs neighbours.

§ 7 Supervision and Enforcement

(1) The Turku City Environmental Department (Turun kaupungin ympäristötoimi) and the police (poliisi) are responsible for supervising the observance of this regulation.
(2) Infringements of this regulation may lead to penalties as defined in the Public Order Act (612/2003) or other relevant legislation.

§ 8 Entry into Force

This regulation enters into force on [Date, e.g., 1.9.2025].

§ 9 Referenced Law

Optional section that must be added when any law references this one.