Riga residents raise concerns over off-leash dogs in parks and forests

Public debate about dog ownership, walking practices and safety has intensified recently, fueled by several high-profile incidents. These include an attack by dogs in Carnikava that injured several children and a teacher, as well as a separate case that went public involving a man treating a dog cruelly on the street.

Adding to this, a discussion emerged on the social platform Threads about whether dogs are allowed to run off-leash in Riga's parks and forests. The conversation was started by a Riga resident who wrote that she can no longer walk peacefully through Imanta's forest park because she is afraid of large dogs let off leash, which sometimes move in packs.

Similar experiences elsewhere

Several other women joined the discussion, sharing comparable experiences. One said she stopped walking along Lake Jugla because large dogs, including cane corso-type breeds, are let loose there without leashes. Another commenter said she has no issue with well-trained dogs but does not want unfamiliar animals approaching people who don't wish to be approached, citing a negative childhood experience with dogs as part of her reasoning. Another participant admitted she avoids walking in forests, both in the city and outside it, specifically because of such situations.

Other commenters suggested that under certain conditions and at specific times, dogs could be allowed off-leash in green areas, though they acknowledged that municipal regulations would need clarification. It was also noted that there is no single European Union-wide rule on the matter — specific requirements are set by individual municipalities.

What current rules say

Riga Municipal Police clarify that no binding regulations currently allow dogs to be let off leash in forests, forest parks or apartment building courtyards anywhere in the city, regardless of time of day. Dogs may only be off leash in designated dog walking areas, such as those at Lucavsala, Andreja Saharova Street, Matīsa Street and Eksporta Street.

Cabinet Regulation No. 411 requires dogs to be kept on a leash outside the owner's property, except in designated areas or places where municipal regulations specifically permit otherwise.