Gerona, Spain - Dog owners who do not take their pets for walks face fines of up to 400 euros (534 dollars) in the north-eastern Spanish city of Gerona, the daily El Periodico reported Wednesday.

The Catalan provincial capital has approved an order making it compulsory for dogs to get at least 20 minutes of exercise daily, if they are attached to, or kept in, small spaces.

Dog owners may also not keep the animals on balconies, terraces or interior courtyards overnight.

"We have come across cases of dogs which were not taken out all day," environment official Enric Pardo said.

That made the dogs bark constantly, which led to complaints by residents, he explained. (dpa)