Berlin woman convicted after her French Bulldog attacks three people in separate incidents

A 29-year-old woman has been convicted after her French Bulldog attacked three people in Berlin-Oberschöneweide. The Tiergarten District Court ruled she failed to control her dog, which bit a neighbour and two police officers in separate incidents. She now faces fines and a five-year ban on owning or walking dogs.

The attacks took place in December 2024 and April 2025. The court found the woman guilty of negligent bodily harm, stating she knew her dog was aggressive but did not take proper precautions. She was sentenced to 70 daily fines of €15 each, totalling €1,050, slightly less than the prosecution's request of 80 fines.

At the time of the incidents, the woman struggled with poor mental health. She was also heavily intoxicated and taking prescribed medication during some of the attacks. Despite this, the court ruled she had neglected her duty to prevent harm. After the final attack, authorities confiscated her French Bulldog. The judge also banned her from owning or walking any dogs for five years. The defendant expressed gratitude after the trial, though the verdict remains open to appeal. The case follows a wave of public concern over dog attacks in Germany. Since early 2026, when a fatal attack in Berlin sparked protests, debates over stricter dog laws have intensified. Media outlets like *Bild* and *Tagesschau* continue to cover the issue, with polls showing 65% of Germans support tighter regulations by March 2026. Animal rights groups, however, criticise the coverage as overly sensationalist.

The woman must pay €1,050 and cannot own or walk dogs for five years. The case adds to ongoing discussions about dog control laws in Germany. Public opinion remains divided between calls for stricter rules and concerns over how such cases are reported.