A new regulation set to take effect in September will prohibit dogs on official beaches across Russia. The restriction will not apply to the entire coastline and includes an exception for service animals like guide dogs. However, animal rights advocates have expressed skepticism, questioning both the severity of the underlying issue and the capacity of the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (GIS) to effectively enforce the ban.
Starting September 1, 2025, domestic animals will be prohibited from official beaches in Russia, according to an order prepared by the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM). The agency cited safety and sanitary requirements as the reasons for implementing the ban.
As noted, the restriction affects only designated beach areas and exempts guide dogs. Olga Yeremeyeva, an animal rights advocate, shared her views on the necessity of this measure:
Olga Yeremeyeva, animal rights advocate
Sitting here now, looking at a beach on the Baltic Sea in Kaliningrad, over the past three days I`ve been here, I`ve seen only one dog on the beach. It came with its owner, walked for 15 minutes, waited while the person swam, played with children on the shore, and then happily went home. In Russia, we don`t have dedicated beaches where animals are officially permitted. In some countries, a specific section of the beach is fenced off for people with their pets. So, I don`t believe this was a widespread problem. There isn`t a significant culture of bringing dogs to the beach. If people do it, they are typically tourists or locals who visit the sea briefly and don`t spend a lot of time there. The most common scenario is morning or evening walks along the coast with their pets. In such cases, the same rules should apply as when walking in the city: a leash, and a muzzle if necessary. Frankly, if asked about our problems, dogs on the beach would be the absolute last one. I think regulations for city walks and animal owners should be enforced, not outright bans. Owners need to be responsible, clean up after their animals, and prevent them from running wildly across the beach. An uncontrolled dog, even if friendly, can still frighten someone. I don`t quite understand this ban and find it likely unnecessary.
According to experts, enforcing the order will be challenging, and it`s unclear who will be responsible for oversight. Anastasia Fedyunina, Chair of the Association of Lawyers and Specialists in Animal Rights and Protection «Zoopravo», commented:
Anastasia Fedyunina, Chair of «Zoopravo»
Rules regarding animals on beaches should certainly exist. However, there should also be designated areas or the option to bring pets, perhaps in a separate zone, or at least allow them to be walked on the beach. This discussion pertains to organized beaches, not unmanaged or wild ones. According to the law, enforcing safety requirements on beaches falls under the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels. It`s improbable that their staff will have sufficient resources for effective control. Nevertheless, we always rely on the conscientiousness of citizens and animal owners. Currently, there are no specific fines for this violation, but an amendment to the Code of Administrative Offenses is likely to be developed and adopted soon.
When asked about the potential fine amount, she added:
It would be more logical to engage in preventive conversations with people rather than immediately imposing fines. This would help them become aware of the new rules, prohibitions, or possibilities regarding animals on beaches. This approach is better because most people are simply unaware of what is allowed or forbidden. We should talk to people and explain things, not just fine them.
The order prohibiting pets on beaches is part of a larger federal law coming into effect on September 1st. This law also includes regulations concerning ferries, small vessels, mooring facilities, and other related structures. The order specifically regarding beaches is set to remain in effect until 2031.
