A new rule forcing Germans to take their dog for a walk twice a day has unleashed a debate on whether the state can decide what is best for the country's 9.4 million pet canines.

德国计划出台新规，要求养狗的人们每天必须遛狗两次。这项新规引发争论，即政府是否有权决定应该怎样照顾该国约940万只宠物狗。

Agriculture Minister Julia Kloeckner announced this week she had taken expert advice and was introducing a law to ensure dogs go for a walk or run in the garden at least one hour twice a day.

"Pets are not cuddly toys - their needs have to be considered," said Kloeckner, adding pets must get sufficient exercise and not be left alone for too long.

With almost one in five German homes owning a hound, the new "Animal Welfare Dog Regulation", which also sets limits on the transportation of farm animals in hot weather, affects a significant proportion of the population.

"Compulsory Walkies for Dog Owners? Rubbish!" wrote the top-selling Bild newspaper in an opinion piece on the new decree.

A spokesman for the VDH German Dog Association said most owners were laughing at the new rule because they already spent enough time walking their four-legged friend.

"One rule for all dogs is probably well meant but unrealistic," said VDH spokesman Udo Kopernik.

Dog trainer Anja Striegel said the amount of exercise a dog needs depended on the health, age and breed of dog.

"For a young, fit Labrador, two hours of walkies are healthier than for an arthritic pug with heart problems," she told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.