It is strictly regulated.
Keeping goats in German cities is generally prohibited under federal animal welfare laws and local building codes, with exceptions requiring permits from municipal authorities. Berlin’s 2024 Tierschutzgesetz amendments tightened oversight, while Cologne’s 2025 BauO NRW revisions mandate veterinary inspections for urban livestock. Violations risk fines up to €25,000 under §18 TierSchG.
Key Regulations for Keeping Goats in the City in Germany
- Zoning Compliance: Local Bebauungspläne (land-use plans) often classify urban goat-keeping as agricultural use, barring it in residential zones unless rezoned. Cities like Munich require a Nutzungsänderungsgenehmigung (change-of-use permit) for backyard goat coops.
- Animal Welfare Standards: The Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Welfare Act) mandates minimum space (e.g., 1.5 m² per goat), veterinary care, and humane handling. Hamburg’s 2026 draft regulations add mandatory pasture access, even in urban plots under 500 m².
- Noise and Odor Restrictions: Municipal ordinances (e.g., Frankfurt’s Lärmschutzverordnung) cap goat-related noise at 50 dB during daylight hours. Berlin’s Immissionsschutzgesetz prohibits odors detectable beyond property lines, often necessitating sealed enclosures.
Permits hinge on neighborhood density, goat breed (dwarf breeds like the Deutsche Zwergziege face fewer hurdles), and proximity to schools or hospitals. Applicants must submit a Tierhaltungsgutachten (livestock assessment) to local veterinary offices, proving compliance with Haltungsverordnung (keeping regulations). Urban goat-keeping remains rare, with Berlin reporting only 12 active permits in 2025.