Dog Act (HuG) - Purpose (HUG)

1. This law regulates the keeping and control of dogs, as well as the imposition of a dog tax.

1. The Cantonal Council exercises the supreme supervision over dog legislation.

1. If the jurisdiction for enforcement is not regulated in this law, it shall be determined by the Council of State.

2. The jurisdiction of the districts is determined by the domicile of the dog owner or the area in which stray or ownerless dogs have been found.

1. Dogs must be kept in accordance with the provisions of the federal animal welfare legislation in a manner appropriate to their species.

1. Dogs must be kept in such a manner that they do not endanger or disturb humans and animals, nor damage others' property.

2. Vicious or aggressive dogs, in particular, must be kept in a secure enclosure, leashed, or muzzled to prevent endangerment or disturbance, as well as to avoid damage to others' property.

1. The running of dogs on school grounds during breaks, as well as on playgrounds or sports fields, is prohibited. For special events, the district may grant an exemption permit with the consent of the affected property owner.

2. In the interest of public order and safety, the district may designate additional areas where dogs must be leashed or establish dog-free zones.

3. The dog owner must ensure that their dog does not enter private gardens or fields in advanced stages of growth without the owner's permission. In rental or lease situations, the right to grant permission lies with the tenant or lessee.

4. Keeping or bringing dogs into rooms where food is processed, prepared, stored, or distributed is prohibited. Exceptions are

a) Dogs that guide a blind person;

b) Dogs in guest areas of hospitality establishments, if the person responsible for the establishment permits it.

1. The dog owner is obliged to properly dispose of their dog's feces from public and private properties belonging to others.

1. It is prohibited to set dogs on people or animals or to deliberately provoke them. This prohibition does not apply in a corresponding manner for hunting purposes, regular livestock driving, and training purposes in preparation for a recognized protection dog examination.

2. The person responsible for supervising a dog must intervene with all means at their disposal if their dog threatens or attacks a person or an animal.

3. Article 2 of the Police Act of April 29, 2001 (PolG) remains reserved.

1. Threats, attacks, or bite injuries by dogs can be reported to the Cantonal Police or the competent District Council.

2. Police officials and insurance companies, as well as doctors, are obligated to report dog bite injuries that are brought to their attention or treated by them.

1. The district shall - if necessary with the involvement of the veterinary office or external administrative experts - order the necessary measures if

a) the dog owner does not fulfill their obligations;

b) there is a serious suspicion of a threat;

c) behavioral abnormalities such as viciousness, exceptional dangerousness, etc., are detected in a dog.

2. The district shall, in particular

a) Issue directives regarding the education, care, or accommodation of the dog;

b) Issue directives regarding supervision, including a permanent leash or muzzle requirement;

c) Place a dog under observation;

d) Order a behavior test for the dog;

e) Order the attendance of a dog owner course or a dog training course;

f) In serious cases, prohibit the respective owner from keeping dogs or order the dog to be removed without compensation;

g) Take other suitable measures.

3. With regard to measures pursuant to paragraph 2 of this article, the district may temporarily confiscate the dog and appropriately accommodate it.

4. The costs for measures pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of this article are to be borne by the dog owner.

5. Final decisions of out-of-canton offices or authorities pursuant to paragraph 2 of this article are also valid in the canton of Appenzell I.Rh. Dog owners who establish residence in the canton of Appenzell I.Rh. must report such decisions to the district.

1. The district shall ensure the accommodation, feeding, and care of stray dogs at the expense of the dog owner.

2. If the dog owner cannot be located within three days, the dog shall be handed over by the district to a suitable person or institution for care, at their expense. The previous dog owner shall have no claim for compensation. Article 722 paragraph 1bis of the Swiss Civil Code remains reserved.

3. If the dog owner requests the return of the dog before the expiration of the period in accordance with Article 722 paragraph 1bis of the Swiss Civil Code, he must assume the incurred costs for the accommodation and feeding of the dog or reimburse those costs to the person or institution to whom the dog was handed over in accordance with paragraph 2 of this article.

4. Stray or ownerless dogs may also be picked up by the cantonal police; however, they must hand them over to the district in whose territory they were found. With the district's approval, such dogs may be directly transferred by the cantonal police to suitable persons or institutions as per paragraph 2 of this article.

1. Anyone who keeps a dog older than three months must report it to the district at the next opportunity for dog registration.

1. If the epidemic situation requires it, veterinary inspections of the dogs are to be ordered by the cantonal veterinarian. The costs related to this are to be borne by the dog owners.

1. All dogs must be marked and registered at the owner's expense in accordance with the provisions of the cantonal dog ordinance, subject to applicable federal legislation.

1. The tax for a dog older than three months amounts to a minimum of CHF 50.-- and a maximum of CHF 500.-- per year.

2. The tax revenue remains with the district. It is to be levied to cover costs and used for specific purposes.

3. The collection of the tax as per this article is the responsibility of the district.

4. The district is obligated to pay an annual contribution for each dog into the animal disease fund.

1. The Grand Council may, by means of regulations, partially or completely exempt certain dogs from taxation.

1. Liability for damages caused by dogs is governed by the provisions of the Code of Obligations.

2. Dog owners must take out liability insurance for their dogs.

1. Violations of the provisions of this law, as well as the corresponding implementing regulations and orders issued based thereon, shall be punished with a fine. The criminal procedure shall be governed by the Introductory Act to the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure.

1. The Grand Council enacts the implementing provisions necessary for this law.

1. This law shall come into effect on January 1, 2006, following its approval by the Landsgemeinde. Upon its commencement, all provisions that conflict with this law shall be repealed.