Dogs barred from Tammelantori and Laukontori market stalls under public order law

A public order law continues to ban dogs from the stall areas at Tammelantori and Laukontori in Tampere, and prohibition signs on the market squares have surprised visitors and dog owners.

Marina and Jussi Aaltonen, who sometimes bring their 14-year-old poodle Cara to Tammelantori, said they had not noticed the signs and that no one had informed them about the rule.

Janne Saksala, the city's market supervisor, said the restriction is based on the public order law. Officials have occasionally considered lifting it, and the city can issue special permits to allow dogs.

Tiina Kopra, chair of the market vendors' association and a Laukontori flower and vegetable seller, said the square's ban signs disappeared years ago. Most vendors are happy to welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs, provided owners clean up after them.

Keskustori has no blanket ban; event organisers decide dog access. That leaves Tampere's market rules inconsistent across the city's squares.