Where you can and can't walk your dog in Almaty: What the rules say

Tengrinews.kz – A sign banning dog walking, reportedly installed by residents of an apartment building in Almaty, has sparked debate on social media over whether homeowners can legally impose such restrictions. Tengrinews.kz looked into what Kazakhstan's laws and local regulations say.

Can residents ban dog walking on their own?

The discussion began after a post on Threads showed a "No dog walking" sign that the author said had been installed by local residents.

"Do residents have the right to independently prohibit dog walking in the courtyard of a residential building?" the user asked.

Lawyer Daniyar Baigabatov told Tengri Life that dog and cat walking rules in Almaty are approved by the city's maslikhat (local representative council), while only the local executive authority, or akimat, has the power to designate areas where walking pets is prohibited or restricted.

"If we are talking about Almaty, the maslikhat has approved rules governing the walking of domestic dogs and cats. Under these rules, locations where animals are prohibited or restricted are determined by the local executive authority. When necessary, the akimat installs the appropriate signs and provides designated dog-walking areas," the lawyer said.

According to Baigabatov, signs installed independently by residents have no legal force.

"In this case, it would constitute unauthorized action. If residents want to restrict dog walking in a particular area, they should submit a request to the local executive authority asking it to consider installing the appropriate sign," he said.

Where dogs can be walked in Almaty

Under the current rules:

• dogs may be off-leash only in designated dog-walking areas;
• in public places, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than two meters;
• dogs classified as requiring special owner responsibility must be muzzled and kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 meters, except on fenced private property;
• cats may only be walked using a harness and leash.

Even if dog walking is prohibited in a particular area, owners may pass through it with their dog provided the animal is on a short leash, wearing a muzzle when required, and does not pose a danger to others.

Where dog walking is prohibited

Walking pets is prohibited:

• on the grounds of kindergartens, schools, and hospitals;
• on children's playgrounds and sports grounds;
• in areas where the akimat has officially installed prohibition signs.

The rules also prohibit allowing dogs to roam freely without supervision and walking pets by people who are unable to control them, including those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Penalties for violations

Violating pet-walking regulations may result in administrative liability.

Violations include:

• walking a dog without a leash or muzzle when required;
• walking pets in prohibited areas;
• failing to clean up after a pet.

Article 407-2 of Kazakhstan's Code of Administrative Offenses provides for the following fines:

• 10 monthly calculation indices (MCI), or 43,250 tenge, for individuals;
• 20 MCI (86,500 tenge) for officials;
• 30 MCI (129,750 tenge) for legal entities.

If the same violation is committed again within one year after an administrative penalty has been imposed, the fine for individuals increases to 20 MCI.