Regulatory and veterinary authorities work together to restrain aggressive dogs

Dogs are popular pets and are considered loyal companions. Some even see them as man's best friend. Nevertheless, exceptional situations occur from time to time in which dogs behave particularly aggressively and can become a danger. In these cases, the city of Offenbach can provide assistance. As Deputy Head of the Public Order Department Pietro Mereu reports, a so-called immobilization force has been in operation since 2018, which is specially trained and authorised to incapacitate animals using a blowpipe or tranquillizer gun. "When I took over as head of department at the municipal public order office in 2016, I found a tranquillizer gun during an inventory check," recalls Mereu. "The idea of offering another service in addition to the tasks we were already doing was born. Once we had clarified the legal framework, nothing stood in the way of setting up an immobilization unit." In addition to Pietro Mereu, five municipal police officers, the vets and the animal health supervisor from the veterinary office make up the "immobilization team". For legal reasons, medicines may only be mixed by the vets. Once a year, all those involved meet for a one-day workshop. For a whole day, the participants take part in theory lessons and shooting exercises to refresh their knowledge so that they can carry out their missions safely, professionally and in accordance with animal welfare regulations.

In fact, the "Immotruppe" of the city of Offenbach am Main can be described as a unique selling point. "Not many authorities have these qualifications. For this reason, we have already been asked to provide our services as an administrative assistance service," adds Mereu.