Why Reykjavik, Iceland Banned Dogs & Now Cats Rule the City

As you stroll the streets of Reykjavik, with its vibrantly painted houses and Mount Esja as a backdrop, you’re likely to encounter many four-legged and furry locals. Yes, cats are roaming freely around the city.

These furry residents are not only tolerated but adored by the city’s human inhabitants. Please know that these are not stray cats. Rather, they have homes, but their owners let them roam around to explore and interact with other living beings. After learning this fact, you might be wondering if dogs are given the same amount of adoration.

Why Dogs Were Banned in Reykjavik, Iceland

The short answer is that in present day, dogs are accepted in Reykjavik BUT cats are by far more numerous and widely accepted. The reason for this is that dogs were banned from living in the city for 60 years!

The story begins in the early 20th century. In 1924, Reykjavik authorities enacted a ban on dogs within the city limits. This ban was a response to two things. One was a housing shortage, which made authorities feel like it would be too much to also have dogs in the city. The second was that dogs were not considered hygienic because they could be carries of a deadly tapeworm that could be spread to humans.

At the time, the health risks posed by dogs were considered significant, and in the interest of public health, the city opted to ban them entirely. Even though dogs were banned in Reykjavik, they were still considered an integral part of farm life in the countryside because they worked on the farms, so people were allowed to have them out there.

Illegal Ownership of Dogs in Iceland Changed History

For much of the 20th century, dogs were a rare sight in the city. Major spotlight was put on the ban’s legitimacy in the 1980s after some well-known public figures in Reykjavik continuously violated the ban by owning a dog within the city limits.

One of the people involved was Albert Guðmundsson, who was the minister of finance at the time. He was repeatedly fined for owning his dog Lucy, but he refused to pay what amounted to about $500 in fees. He was so steadfast in not paying that he invited the police to arrest him and send him to prison, which they never ended up doing.

Albert was not alone in illegally owning a dog. It’s estimated that about 3,000 dogs were living in the city at the time and the police would periodically fine owners. Most people didn’t see the reason for the ban any longer and in 1984 it was lifted.

Dogs Can Be Owned in Reykjavik But Strict Rules Still Exist

While the ban has since been relaxed, tight regulation of dog ownership in the city was enforced for an additional 22 years. Special permits were required for dogs and the application process was tedious. This discouraged potential dog owners from getting a canine friend and kept the dog population in the city low.

Today, residents can own dogs but there are still strict regulations. For instance, dogs must be registered and there is a yearly dog registration fee. Additionally, there are strict residency, leash, vaccination and worming laws, just to name a few. There is even a whole document detailing all of the rules that I found on Reykjavik.is.

The Rise of Cats in Reykjavik, Iceland

While strict rules have been in place for dogs, cats, on the other hand, did not and do not face such restrictions. They were traditionally seen as useful animals, keeping the rodent population in check, especially in a city surrounded by water where ships and fishing were common. Without any competition from their canine counterparts, cats quickly became the favored pet among city dwellers.

The cats of Reykjavik are a proud part of the city’s landscape. They are well-cared-for, with many locals taking it upon themselves to feed and watch over those that don’t have an obvious home. As I mentioned, these cats have homes/owners but they have neighborhood hang out spots. It’s not unusual to find water bowls and cozy shelters set up by residents for the community cats.

The Reykjavík Cat Walk Tour

If you are a cat lover or are even just intrigued to see where some of these feline cuties hang out, then I think you’ll enjoy the Reykjavik Cat Walk Tour hosted by Your Friend in Reykjavik, a tour company that prides itself on offering authentic local experiences. You can use my code ALLTHINGSICELAND (in all caps) to save 10% on your Cat Walk Tour and over 45 other tours you book with Your Friend in Reykjavik.

I have personally done this walking tour and loved it. It’s surprising how many stops there and all of the adorable cats that can be found in their usual spots, if you know where to look.

There are even cat murals and, of course, a visit to the Cat Café. This café takes in cats that need a home and they roam freely around the cafe as people enjoy their drinks and food. The whole café is decorated in a cat theme, and it is incredibly cute. It is up to the cats if they want to interact with guests and a decent number of them do. During the visit to the cafe, some delicious treats like hot cocoa or coffee and cookies are included for tour participants. This walking tour is a delightful way to learn about Reykjavik from a different perspective.

Grab a spot on the Reykjavík Cat Walk Tour by booking below:

A Tail of Two Species

Today, as Reykjavik’s dog population slowly increases thanks to changing attitudes and laws, the city maintains its reputation as a cat’s paradise. Cats in Reykjavik aren’t just pets; they’re a symbol of the city’s past decisions trying to protect its residences and its commitment to animal welfare.

The plentiful population of cats versus the relatively few dogs seen on the streets serves as a daily, living reminder of a time when public health concerns overrode the companionship of man’s best friend. It underscores the long-lasting impact of legislation on local culture and how a city can adapt its identity around such laws.

Random Fact of the Episode

There are some semi-famous Icelandic cats on Instagram. One of them is Baktus and if you want to follow his account, you can find him here.

Icelandic Words of the Episode

Köttur – cat

Hundur – dog

I hope you found this episode fascinating and informative. If you are enjoying the All Things Iceland podcast, please leave review or rating on whichever platform you are listening to this on. It is greatly appreciated, and it helps others to know what they can expect when they listen.

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