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Every 30th person in Linz owns a dog. The security service of the city of Linz will be keeping a close eye on your fingers and lines over the next few days and weeks. The main action always takes place at the beginning of spring, as the manager of the security service, Mario Gubesch, said in an OÖN interview. The reason is that parks and playgrounds are then busier again and violations of the dog ownership law often lead to conflicts.
Leash and muzzle obligation
As a reminder: Dogs are strictly forbidden on playgrounds. Dogs must be on a leash throughout the city and carrying a muzzle and a dog tag is mandatory. Both apply to public transport. The security service will also be driving more trams and buses in the next few days. Excluded are the marked free running areas, of which there are 18.
Almost 600 violations since January 2022
“There is still room for improvement when it comes to the leash requirement,” says Gubesch. Almost 600 violations of the Dog Ownership Act have been reported by its employees in the last 15 months, including cases of dog waste not being removed. However, there is only a display if the owner shows resistance to instruction.
Looking for employees with a diplomatic flair
Currently, the security service has to fulfill its tasks with only 23 employees. 27 would actually be budgeted, 30 possible on the basis of the municipal council decision. “Recruitment is very difficult, we could take on employees on the spot,” says Gubesch. However, the fluctuation is not uncommon. Last year three employees left, this year there are two so far. As an employer, the security service is in direct competition with private companies. Above all, potential employees need diplomatic flair. “You have to explain to a homeless person in the Volksgarten at 9 a.m. that he’s not allowed to drink beer and two hours later to a lawyer at the Pöstlingberg that he has to cut his bush,” says Gubesch. His employees have to communicate at eye level and not everyone can do that.
Looking for a new base
There is no news yet regarding the new base. As reported, the Urfahr security service is to move to a more central location, for example in the area around the train station and the southern country road.
Source: Nachrichten
