Vienna asks dog owners to rinse urine from trees
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In Vienna’s 7th district, Neubaun, local authorities asked dog owners to carry bottled water and rinse their dogs’ urine from trees.
The city implemented the new guidelines as part of the “Schönes Gassi” (Beautiful Walk) campaign, responding to the impact of around 600 dogs on the area’s green spaces. Officials explained that dog urine damages tree bark, weakening its protective layer and allowing pathogens to enter the trunk.
The campaign aims to protect trees planted over the last decade to mitigate greenhouse gas damage. Residents can now collect free 270ml water bottles from the town hall to use while walking their dogs. The Grätzllabor community group noted that while marking territory is natural communication for dogs, it stresses trees and can lead to decay. Similar initiatives have already begun in Japan and Switzerland.
The campaign’s slogan, “The bottle next to the bag,” encourages owners to bring water alongside waste bags.
