An oversight that can be very costly. From this Monday, April 15, dog owners will be required to walk their pets on a leash when walking in the forest, under penalty of receiving a very hefty fine. Although this rule may seem surprising, it nevertheless comes from a decree still in force, dating from March 16, 1955.
Why this ban?
Although walking your dog with or without a leash may seem trivial, especially when you are in the woods, it can nevertheless have a significant impact on wildlife. In fact, this decree was put in place to
protect the reproduction of wild animals
, particularly birds, which takes place during the spring period.
Indeed, dogs not kept on a leash could seriously disturb and stress animals which are particularly sensitive during this period, and thus jeopardize their reproduction. This measure therefore aims to encourage their repopulation of wild animals.
What period?
This decree is implemented each year
from April 15 to June 30
. This period of two and a half months is far from being chosen at random, since it corresponds to the spring period during which many wild animals reproduce. Outside of this period, dogs may not be kept on a leash as long as they are under the supervision of their master and do not stray more than 100 m from the latter.
Or precisely ?
The decree relating to the ban on the straying of dogs indicates that “it is prohibited to allow dogs to wander in cultivated or uncultivated land, meadows, vineyards, orchards, woods, as well as in marshes and on the banks of streams, ponds and lakes. » But for this period from April 15 to June 30, the decree is more restrictive and prohibits walking dogs not on a leash
in the woods and forests
.
During this period, dogs are therefore allowed without a leash on roads, paths or forest trails, in particular those of Grandes Randonnées (GR), as well as those for walks, all so-called forest paths. “Forest partitions, firebreaks and plot boundaries are not considered paths,” specifies the ONF.
What do owners risk?
In the event of non-compliance with these rules, the dog owner is liable to
a fine of 750 euros
. Be careful, because if this decree applies at the national level, mayors can ban dogs without a leash in their municipality. Several specific prohibitions exist, particularly in protected areas such as nature reserves. It is therefore recommended to obtain information to avoid a fine.
And for hunters?
This decree
also applies to hunters
going into the forest with their hunting dog. Especially since the hunting period generally begins in September and ends around March, and hunters are not supposed to go into the forest to hunt game during the period affected by the ban.