November 3, 2026, 10:06 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The right to demonstrate is enshrined in the Basic Law, as long as it remains peaceful. Seeing people take to the streets for their interests is not uncommon in larger cities, whether on May 1 or at protests on entirely different topics, including animal protection. You often see dogs accompanying their owners. But is that actually allowed? PETBOOK asked the police and experts.
Can You Bring Dogs to Demonstrations?
A particularly large number of demonstrators are traditionally expected on Labor Day in Berlin and Hamburg. Especially there, various demonstrations often lead to riots and clashes between demonstrators and the police. According to media reports, the capital is preparing with over 5,500 police officers and technical units, including clearing vehicles, water cannons, and a police helicopter, just for May 1. It is always surprising that some people bring their dogs to such demonstrations.1
But are you even allowed to bring dogs? Article 8 of the Basic Law states: “All Germans have the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed without prior notification or permission.”2 Additionally, this right can be restricted by law or based on a law for outdoor assemblies. However, dogs—or pets—are not explicitly mentioned here.3
Even the police shrug when asked if legally you can bring your four-legged friend to demonstrations. According to the Berlin police, in response to a PETBOOK inquiry, this is not a topic they pursue. There is no legal prohibition.
Expert Clearly Advises Against Bringing Dogs to Demonstrations
But just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should, says dog trainer Katharina Marioth in an interview with PETBOOK. “When I think of the usual demonstrations in Berlin, I see crowds of people, flags, wide, sunny, and especially asphalted streets. I hear firecrackers, whistles, voices from megaphones, and depending on the size of the demonstration, also police voices, water cannons, sirens, possibly even counter-demonstrations, and much more.”
For any dog—except perhaps those trained for such situations—this can only be a terrible experience, the expert is sure. “I don’t know what good you could possibly do for a dog by dragging them to such events.”
Galgomarches Aim to Highlight the Plight of Spanish Hunting Dogs
Even at demonstrations where dogs and people are explicitly supposed to participate—such as the Europe-wide Galgomarches—you must weigh beforehand whether it is too stressful for your own four-legged friend. Even if the organizers certainly do their best to make the demonstration as stress-free as possible for the animals on site.
The Galgomarches aim to draw attention to the terrible situation of hunting dogs in Spain. Because on February 1, not only does the hunting season end in Spain, but for many dogs used for hunting there, so does life. Hunters then ruthlessly “dispose” of all dogs they no longer consider fit for hunting, often in very cruel ways.
Also interesting: Why Spanish hunting dogs are looking for a new home in Germany
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“I Personally Don’t Put My Dogs in Such Situations”
To protest against this and give the dogs a voice, numerous people take to the streets with their four-legged friends every year. At the beginning of the year in Cologne, 2,500 people with their 5,000 dogs were out in the name of animal protection (PETBOOK reported).
But at large demonstrations with thousands of people, even the organizer of the Cologne Galgomarch would not bring her dogs. “Especially not when the animals are not the focus,” says Julia Reinhardt to PETBOOK.
“I Would Prefer People Leave Their Dogs at Home”
“For demonstrations like the Galgomarch or similar events, it is, of course, more media-effective if many dogs are seen in pictures on TV and in the press,” says dog trainer Katharina Marioth. “I personally don’t put my dogs in such situations—no matter how relaxed I think they are.” While you can control yourself and your dog in crowds, you cannot control the environment. “I am responsible for the well-being of my dogs. It should be enough to show your face—without paws.”
In general, for the well-known dog trainer, a muzzle, water, and double security with a collar and harness are always necessary for dogs in crowds. “I think it’s a matter of courtesy—even for other people. But I would prefer people leave their dogs at home,” concludes Katharina Marioth.