City of Braunschweig rejects new dog waste bag dispensers – why?

City of Braunschweig rejects new dog waste bag dispensers – why?

In Braunschweig, the issue of dog waste and proper disposal remains a hot topic. In May 2025, the Southwest City District Council submitted an application to set up dog waste bag dispensers in Geitelde, which should be placed along the connecting path between Geiteldestraße and An der Wasche. Deputy District Mayor Julia Kark explained that the application was submitted following numerous complaints from pedestrians and cyclists complaining about dog poop. There was also feedback from dog owners who pointed out the lack of bag dispensers. It is noteworthy that two residents even offered to look after the bag stations. Initially, a solution seemed to be in sight to the wishes that had been raised in recent months.

But the hope was recently dashed by a communication from the city administration. On November 19th it was announced that no additional dog waste bag dispensers would be installed. The reason for this decision is seen in the high personnel and cost requirements for maintenance and filling. According to those responsible, there is a lack of financial and human resources to expand the inventory. Instead, it is recommended that dog owners themselves purchase dog bags from retailers and keep them in stock so that they can dispose of their four-legged friends' remains, as regionalheute.de reports.

The problem in detail

Dog waste contamination on sidewalks, playgrounds and green spaces is a persistent problem. Studies show that dog waste is not only an eyesore in the city, but also a breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens. Complaints and warnings against dog feces pollution are often unsuccessful. Many dog ​​owners also don't know where to dispose of their waste, which makes the whole thing a constant point of contention in many cities. Setting up dog waste bag dispensers could be a simple solution here, as resorti.de explains.

An additional aspect is the legal situation: picking up dog poop is not only a question of care, but also a legal obligation that is regulated by various laws and regulations. In many municipalities there are fines ranging from 35 euros to several hundred euros for dog owners who do not meet their obligations. These penalties are intended to ensure that the city's public image is maintained through regular controls. Innovative approaches to combating this problem, such as DNA analysis of dog feces to identify responsible dog owners, are on the horizon, but have so far been rejected as too complex and expensive, as has happened in the city of Bordeaux, as citygie.com points out.

The problem of dog waste disposal remains an urgent issue for many cities - including Braunschweig. The city administration's current decision shows that short-term solutions are required, even if financial means and resources are limited. The city could benefit from a sustained awareness campaign to attract both dog owners and the general public to the issue and thus do some work on the cleanliness of public spaces.