The breeding and sowing season begins and with it the leash obligation for dogs. From April 1 to July 15, dog owners are prohibited from letting their four-legged friends run free in the countryside. The leash obligation is valid in this period as protection for animals, as for example birds, which hatch and raise their young in these months.

Why is the leash requirement important?

When dogs run free during the breeding and sowing season, there is a risk that they will discover young animals and sniff them or even touch them. The consequence: the mother animal may then reject the young. Breeding birds, such as skylarks, tree sparrows and robins, need quiet zones to raise their young without stress. For the young, free-roaming dogs can have fatal consequences, such as the abandonment of the breeding business or the abandonment of the young by the parents, up to the point of injuring or fatally tearing the wild animals. In addition to birds, there are other animals that need to be protected during this time. These include, for example, deer, hares and other wild animals that also have offspring. It is especially important for them to remain undisturbed during this time, as they need to care for their young. When dogs run loose and encounter wildlife, it can cause stress and anxiety, which can interfere with their care and nurturing. In addition, free-roaming dogs may chase or injure wildlife, which can also have fatal consequences.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with the leash requirement?

Dog owners who do not comply with the leash requirement and still let their dog run free must expect a penalty. This can be in the form of a fine of up to 5000€. The leash obligation applies in the so-called "free landscape", which includes areas of the forest and the rest of the free landscape, including within the built-up areas. The associated paths and waters are also part of these areas.

Exceptions from the leash obligation

There are special cases where dogs are exempt from the leash requirement during their use. These include hunting dogs, rescue dogs, herding dogs, guide dogs and police dogs. In addition, the leash requirement does not necessarily apply in urban parks, but here too, animals breed in isolated cases, which is why it is requested that dogs be leashed here as well. In numerous municipalities there are also designated areas for playing and romping with the dog.

Conclusion

To ensure a harmonious relationship between man and dog, it is important that dog owners adhere to the leash requirement and keep their dogs on a leash during this time. This not only protects nature and wildlife, but also your own dog. Because even if a dog can normally be called off well, it can happen during this time due to the many new impressions and smells that he behaves differently than usual and follows his instinct. To avoid unwanted conflicts, it is therefore advisable to keep the dog on a leash at all times.

Those who do not comply with the leash requirement must expect a fine of up to 5000€. In addition, there is a risk that the dog will chase or injure wild animals, causing serious consequences. Therefore, it is important that dog owners adhere to the leash requirement and do their part to protect nature and wildlife. In exceptional cases, such as hunting dogs or police dogs, it is possible to deviate from the leash requirement. Here, however, it is important that the dogs are properly trained and under control to avoid unwanted conflicts and damage.