Zurich Dog Paradise Upset: Owners Protest Planned Ban on Allmend Riverbank

A planned dog ban along the right bank of the Sihl river in Zurich has sparked outrage among local dog owners, who consider the proposed year-round restriction a disproportionate measure. The city intends to prohibit off-leash dogs from a 450-meter section of the riverbank, extending from the Gänziolobrücke to the highway bridge, effectively reserving this path and meadow solely for human recreation.

Dog owners frequent the Allmend area, Zurich's largest green space, which includes a 264,000-square-meter off-leash zone. "Richi's Kiosk" serves as a popular meeting point for dog walkers, many of whom bring their pets to the area after morning strolls. The Sihl river itself is a key feature, with a large fountain providing refreshment for the dogs, evidenced by the fur often found in the water.

The city justifies the ban by referencing the 2003 Allmend usage concept, which designated this specific riverbank area as dog-free. While the implementation was delayed due to planned river renaturation by the canton, the city now argues that increasing visitor numbers and the absence of a renaturation timeline necessitate the ban, expected to take effect around March 2027.

However, dog owners like Sandra, a resident of Säuliamt, view the plan as a "catastrophe." They argue that the ban will create significant problems and disrupt the established community and recreational use of the Allmend. The current situation, especially during hot summer days, sees dog owners prioritizing shaded areas along the river, making the proposed restriction particularly impactful during peak usage times.