GEZ versus hunting dog - Why Urax was suddenly subject to fees

When bureaucracy goes to the dogs

This is no satire, but a real official debacle: the Munich hunting dog Urax vom Paradies (9 years old, Hungarian Shorthair) received a letter from the ARD and ZDF contribution service - with a friendly request to please pay the broadcasting fees in future. The Internet laughed, the media reported, and owner Jutta Zedelmaier could hardly believe it. Because one thing was clear: the dog is neither a radio owner nor a fan of "Tagesthemen". So what had gone wrong?

Dog with a taste for TV?

The contribution service itself quickly rowed back. A "misunderstanding", they said. Urax had inadvertently ended up on a list - the address apparently came from an address dealer that the Beitragsservice uses to identify new "customers". The name Urax was then automatically classified as a "possible contributor". The fact that it was a dog? Apparently nobody noticed. Or simply ignored it?

But instead of hiding behind paragraphs in the classic official manner, this time the Beitragsservice resorted to a rather atypical means: humor. And in really good doses.

Apology with bite - and bones

"Dear Urax," begins the second letter. Company spokesman Goran Goic writes: "Actually, our letters are only addressed to people. But as it turns out, you are obviously a very special case." This is followed by a wonderfully self-deprecating apology and - the icing on the cake - a voucher for 18.36 euros. Exactly the amount that a person pays in radio license fees every month.

But that's not all: Goic expressly emphasizes that the voucher does not come from GEZ funds, but was bought by him personally. A nice gesture, especially at a time when public authorities are often regarded as humor-free zones. And Urax's fellow sufferer, the German Longhair "Nanuk vom Veybach" from NRW, was also delighted to receive the same letter and voucher.

When databases go crazy

A dog on the list of contributions shows how far automated processes can now go - but also how quickly these systems reach their limits when there is a lack of control. An algorithm does not recognize a dog breed, it only reads data - and those who do not put up a plausible fight are simply "asked to pay".

For people, this means that anyone who falls off the grid quickly receives mail in their letterbox - regardless of whether this is justified or not.

RECHT 24/7 says:

That was an animal faux pas - but one with charm. Of course, it's not the end of the world if a dog is written up. But the case highlights a much bigger problem: authorities are increasingly relying blindly on data - and too rarely listen to common sense.

That the Beitragsservice apologized in such a sympathetic way? Respect! Nevertheless, such mishaps should not become the rule. Because not everyone has a dog as patient as Urax. Or such a relaxed owner.

And to be honest: if the dog is already being written to - why not invite him to the talk show? Topic: "Broadcasting with a bite."