Free-roaming dogs and reckless cyclists endanger wild animals in Zolling's forests and meadows

A hunter from Zolling demands more mindfulness and more respect from everyone who spends their free time in nature.

Because especially wild animals suffer.

Zolling

- More and more people are drawn to the countryside. There are heaps of cyclists and walkers, and the number of dog owners has also increased significantly. But where more and more people and dogs frolic, conflicts arise. Different needs and interests collide. "The pressure on nature has increased", says Hubert Bauer, hunting tenant in the municipality of Zolling. That also puts the wild animals under pressure. The consequence: According to Bauer, they change their rhythm, retreat deeper and deeper into the woods during the day and go looking for forage later and later. Too often they are disturbed by cyclists, by strollers running across country, or by dogs running freely. The hunter appeals to people to move in nature with care and respect.This applies to cyclists and walkers as well as to dog owners. "I think many are not even aware that they might destroy a clutch of a meadow breeder if they rush through somewhere on their mountain bike," says Bauer.

Animals need all of their energy to raise their young

Gross disturbances for the animals are particularly problematic during the breeding and setting time.

In the period from the end of March to mid-June, forests and meadows become nurseries.

This is a very sensitive time for the animals, who now put all their energy into raising their offspring.

Too many disorders stress parents and their offspring a lot, emphasizes Bauer.

Dogs that run free are also a problem, and especially so.

Many owners are not aware that they have brought a hunting animal into their home.

“The dog can't help it, it's in his blood,” says Bauer.

The owner is responsible for training and guiding the dog accordingly - if necessary, on a leash, especially in areas rich in game.

Because even the most well-behaved dog can sometimes get through the hunting instinct.

For the game, such moments are pure stress - and they can also lead to death.

Poaching dogs are a big problem for forest animals, especially in winter.

Since there is hardly any food, the metabolism of deer and the like runs at the lowest level.

Escaping from a dog can exhaust the animals to the point that they die.

"I see more and more that dogs are not manageable, that is, not easy to control," states the hunter.

Dog regulation prescribes clear rules of conduct

The dog ordinance of the municipality of Zolling also stipulates that a dog may only run free if it is always in sight and can be called up at any time. Incidentally, this does not only apply in the forest, but also in urban areas. The dog owner regulation prescribes clear rules of conduct. "The current dog-keeping ordinance states that attack dogs and large dogs from 50 centimeters shoulder height in all public facilities, paths, streets and places within localities must be kept on a tear-resistant, maximum 1.5 meter long leash," says Elena Völz, Head of the regulatory office. Outside the village, free running is permitted - if the dog can be controlled at any time. By the way, the municipality also makes regulations with regard to the legacies. Dog droppings must be removed by the dog handlers,otherwise there is a risk of a fine of up to 1000 euros.

With these rules, the community wants to avoid conflicts and protect animals and people, including the dogs themselves. Because a hunting or uncontrolled dog can quickly get "under the wheels".

Elena Völz and Hubert Bauer therefore appeal to everyone to be aware that they are not alone.

Pay attention to retreat areas, check dogs, take rubbish back home with you - it's about more mindfulness, more respect for the living space and the needs of others, regardless of whether they are humans or animals.

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