Off-leash dog attacks another dog in Vilnius: who is responsible?

A resident of Vilnius’ Žvėrynas district shared on Facebook how her leashed poodle was attacked by an unleashed doberman in a residential area near a park. The injured dog required veterinary treatment, sparking a debate over pet owner responsibility when unleashed dogs attack others.

According to the poodle’s owner, Jurgita Varanavičiūtė, the doberman’s owner had repeatedly walked the dog off-leash despite long-standing complaints from local residents. The doberman bit her dog, forcing her to rush it to a vet. The poodle underwent three surgeries but survived. Varanavičiūtė herself was unharmed.

On Monday afternoon, the doberman’s owner contacted the victim, apologised, and offered to cover the damages. Officers from Vilnius’ 1st Police Commissariat are investigating the incident.

The doberman’s owner claimed the poodle was also unleashed at the time and argued that dobermans are not inherently aggressive. She pledged to use a leash in the future and exercise greater caution.

Lithuania’s State Food and Veterinary Service does not classify dobermans as fighting or dangerous breeds, so no stricter regulations apply. However, municipal rules in Vilnius require that pets in residential areas do not pose a threat to people, animals, or property. Leashed walking is mandatory in public spaces, and dogs must be kept on a short leash in the presence of others. Violations can result in warnings or fines of up to €120.

Under Lithuania’s Animal Welfare and Protection Law, owners must ensure safety when walking dogs. If a dog injures a person or another animal, the owner may be liable for damages and legal consequences. In cases of negligence, penalties can include fines, compensation claims, or even criminal liability with imprisonment for up to three years.

Vytautas Gustaitis, founder of the Baltic Canine Centre, described dog fights as a common issue in Lithuania. He emphasised that responsibility lies with the owner of the attacking dog. He advised against lifting dogs during a fight, as this often leads to bites, and warned against attempting to separate dogs by hand. Owners should seek medical attention after such incidents to check for rabies and tetanus. He also noted that people often underestimate their own dogs’ instincts.