Lucky pooches in Germany must be walked twice a day under controversial new government laws.
Authorities have said that the country's 9.4 million pet dogs must get out and about for at least an hour a day.
But not everyone agrees, as the measure has sparked a debate about whether the government should be getting involved.
Agriculture Minister Julia Kloeckner announced this week she had taken expert advice and was introducing a law to ensure dogs go for a walk or run in the garden at least twice a day.
She said: "Pets are not cuddly toys - their needs have to be
considered."
Kloeckner added that pets must get sufficient exercise and not be left alone for too long.
It is estimated that almost one in five German homes have a pet dog.
"Compulsory Walkies for Dog Owners? Rubbish!" wrote the
top-selling Bild newspaper in an opinion piece on the new
decree.
A spokesman for the VDH German Dog Association said most owners were laughing at the new rule because they already spent enough time walking their four-legged friend.
"One rule for all dogs is probably well meant but unrealistic," said VDH spokesman Udo Kopernik.
Dog trainer Anja Striegel said the amount of exercise a dog
needs depended on the health, age and breed of dog.
"For a young, fit Labrador, two hours of walkies are healthier than for an arthritic pug with heart problems," she
told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.
Germany's most popular breeds are the German Shepherd and short-legged, long-bodied Dachshund, known as "sausage dogs", followed by Labradors, retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers and pugs.
It is unclear how the rules will be enforced.
The ministry has said the 16 federal states will be responsible for enforcing the rule - but have not revealed how they will do this.
