Dog ban on the Otto Wagner area: rules are permanently ignored!

Dog ban on the Otto Wagner area: rules are permanently ignored!

There is currently a lot going on at the Otto Wagner site in Vienna-Penzing. The debate about the strict ban on dogs on the historically important site, which also serves as a local recreation area, is increasingly escalating. More and more dog owners are ignoring the rules and with this the complaints from residents and visitors are increasing. The citizens' initiative “Preserve Steinhof” is alerting the public and calling for a rethink regarding controls and the visibility of the ban. According to oe24.at, especially during the vintage days in September, there is a surge of dog owners who simply overlook the ban.

The situation is coming to a head as reports of dogs being blatantly walked on the site circulate online. Increasing disregard for the ban could have fatal consequences for sensitive medical areas on the site, including psychiatric wards and the pulmonary department. Endangered animal species also live here and find a place to retreat to in the meadow. Despite clear information about the ban on dogs at the entrances, dog owners' awareness of the rules often falls by the wayside, and there is no check from the porter's box at the main entrance.

Looking for solutions

This is where Gesiba, the landlord of the property, intervenes and tries to sensitize the tenants. With regular circulars and trained security employees, Gesiba implements measures to ensure compliance with the requirements. Nevertheless, complete controls are hardly possible due to the openly accessible nature of the area. Many tenants walk their dogs through the entire area, even though they are only allowed to go directly to the apartment. Anyone who doesn't follow the rules, whether with or without a dog, is not only committing a criminal offense, but is also putting nature and the medical infrastructure in dangerous jeopardy.

The meinkreis.at initiative therefore has clear demands. Among other things, greater public awareness is required as well as more consistent controls throughout the area. Complaints about aggressive reactions to the information banning dogs are increasing and show that a dialogue is urgently needed. With the numerous events and the majority of people, everyone has to do their part to maintain the Otto Wagner Area as a place of peace and respectful togetherness.

An appeal to all dog owners

Gesiba also relies on education: dogs must be kept on a leash within the Gesiba facility and – where necessary – equipped with a muzzle. Anyone who does not adhere to these rules is well on the way to jeopardizing the valuable balance between nature and human use. The area is not only a retreat for animals, but also a historical monument that needs to be protected. The responsibility here clearly lies with each individual visitor.

The anger surrounding the ban on dogs in the Otto Wagner area shows that a good neighborhood also means responsibility. Perhaps it is time to fight together for solutions and secure the title of “Vienna’s green lung” in the future!