The ban of dogs on the far north island of Grímsey stands, with canines forbidden from even visiting.
Grímsey – the northernmost populated area of Iceland, resting on the Arctic Circle – has for a long time banned any dogs on the tiny island. In 2009, the island was incorporated within the municipal authority of Akureyri, the closest major town, wherein people are allowed to own dogs. Despite this, the assumption continued that it was generally understood not to own dogs on or brings dogs to Grímsey. The Ministry for the Environment has stood by the ban.
RÚV reports that a resident of Akureyri filed a formal complaint on the matter last year. In the complaint, the Akureyrite states that he owns a dog in Akureyri, but has family on Grímsey and also occasionally works on the island. He pointed out that due to Grímsey being under the authority of Akureyri, and municipal law allowing for the ownership of dogs, it was therefore illegal for Grímsey to ban him from bringing his dog to the island.
However, the committee which took the complaint has ruled that while the town as a whole allows for the ownership of dogs, the banning of dogs from Grímsey is also a part of the law. Therefore, the complaint was rejected, and Grímsey will remain dog-free for the foreseeable future.
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