Ukraine has no single federal list of public places where dog owners are prohibited from bringing their pets. This was stated in a comment to RBC-Ukraine by lawyer Evhen Bulymenko. According to him, specific restrictions are established by local self-government bodies, so the rules can vary significantly from one city to another. This means that what is permissible in one settlement may carry administrative liability in another.

Legal framework: what the law says

The main document regulating the relationship between animal owners and society is the Law of Ukraine "On the Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment." It obliges pet owners to comply with sanitary and hygienic standards and the rules of coexistence with other people. However, as Bulymenko emphasized, there is no single regulatory act in Ukraine that centrally establishes a list of public places where entry with animals is prohibited. This function has been taken on by local councils and city administrations.

Specifics of the rules in Kyiv

The capital has separate rules for keeping dogs and cats, approved by the Kyiv City Council. Under these regulatory acts, animals — with the exception of guide dogs accompanying people with visual impairments — are not allowed in a number of public places, the list of which is set out in the local document. In addition, the rules impose obligations on owners: not to allow the animal to engage in dangerous behavior toward people, other animals, or property; to observe sanitary and hygienic standards and public order; and not to allow the dog to leave its designated area unsupervised.

Fines and administrative liability

Violations of the rules for keeping dogs and cats are subject to liability under Article 154 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences. For keeping animals in prohibited places, walking them without a leash or muzzle where required, walking them in unauthorized areas, or failing to clean up after them, the owner faces a warning or a fine of 170 to 340 hryvnias. In the case of a repeat violation within one year, the fine for individuals increases to 340–510 hryvnias. The most serious consequences occur if the violation causes harm to a person's health or property: in that case the fine ranges from 1,700 to 3,400 hryvnias, and confiscation of the animal is also possible.

Practical recommendation

The lawyer advises dog owners to check the rules that apply specifically in their settlement before visiting a store, café, park, or other public place. Since there is no single nationwide list, relying solely on general notions about whether a dog is allowed in a public space is insufficient. Clarifying the current rules with the local council or on the city administration's website helps avoid unwanted fines and conflicts.

Contradictory data

In the context of the discussion of society's attitude toward animals in public spaces, the source mentions a recent incident in Ivano-Frankivsk, where a video circulated online showing employees of Nova Poshta driving a stray dog out onto the street with a mop in hot weather. The company stated that the employees involved had been dismissed, however this information had not been independently verified at the time of publication. Thus, the employer's account of the personnel measures taken remains unverified, and readers should treat this fact with caution.