The law does not require leashes for all dog breeds. Only dogs categorized 1 and 2 and other animals must be tethered in the public sphere. More specific local restrictions may also exist.
To discover
What to plant, sow or harvest in April?
Is it required by law to keep your dog on a leash?
Several situations can be distinguished.
Dogs in forest areas
In the forest and in the woods, it is
obligatory to walk with your dog on a leash outside the forest paths during the period from April 15 to June 30
(decree of March 16, 1955)
.
Conversely
, the leash is no longer required on forest paths, or outside, between July 1 and April 14. But you must always have effective control over your animal so as not to characterize wandering.
This measure aims to prevent the destruction of birds and other species of animals, but also to encourage their repopulation.
Dangerous dogs in the city
For so-called dangerous dogs, the regulations are clear
(article L211-16 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code)
. Must be muzzled and kept on a leash by an adult:
On public roads and in the common areas of a condominium building, dogs of the 1st and 2nd category
In public places, premises open to the public - a hospital, a school, a court, a post office, a shopping center, etc. - and public transport, dogs in the 2nd category.
In other words, dangerous dogs must have a muzzle and be kept on a leash whenever they are around the public.
Conversely
, the obligation to keep a dangerous dog on a leash no longer exists in the private sphere.
Good to know
Attack dogs fall into the first category, for example the Pit Bull or the Tosa. Guard and defense dogs fall into the second category. For example, dogs of the American Staffordshire terrier or Rottweiler breed
(article L211-12 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code)
Please note
: 1st category dogs are prohibited on public transport, public places other than public roads, premises open to the public, building lobbies, including if they are kept on a leash (
article L211- 16 cited above)
.
Other dogs in town
For animals that do not fall into categories 1 and 2, the law does not require a leash when walking in public places. They can therefore walk freely alongside you, without a leash.
Unless you judge that they may present a danger to people or pets, in which case the leash becomes obligatory again. It's up to you to assess your dog's behavior.
The departmental health regulations, a municipal decree or a departmental decree may make a leash compulsory in certain places if the presence of the dog could cause potential danger
(article L211-22)
. For example, a public garden with children or a market. The ban must then be posted at the entrance to the park or market to inform the owners.
In any case, without a leash, your dog must never be seen
wandering
. That is to say abandoned and left to his sole instinct.
You must always
(article L211-23)
:
Have effective supervision over him.
Be within earshot.
Be within 100 meters of him.
Good to know
Straying is prohibited and punishable. It also concerns the cat. Seized animals are taken to the pound. You also risk a fine. During the hunting action, the dog does not wander even if it is far from its master. The same applies after the end of the hunt if its owner has done everything to find it and the dog has not been left to its own devices.
Please note
: always find out about the regulations applicable in the town where you usually walk your dog.
Dogs in rural areas
In the same vein, it is prohibited to let your dog roam freely in
(decree of March 16, 1955)
:
Land cultivated or not.
The meadows.
The vines.
The orchards.
Woods.
Swamps.
The edge of rivers, ponds and lakes.
What are the risks if you don't keep your dog on a leash?
In the forest, failure to respect the leash when it is imposed results in a fine of
up to 750 euros
for its owner .
If you have a dog on a leash, you are
responsible for any damage
it may cause to others. But also to another animal
(article 1243 of the Civil Code)
. You may therefore be ordered to compensate the victim. Concretely, it is your civil liability insurance, included in your home insurance, which covers the loss.
If your dog is not kept on a leash when it should be, the mayor or prefect can order by order that the animal be placed in a storage location suitable for its care. If necessary, he can have his euthanasia carried out
(article L211-11 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code)
.
If you allow a dog that could pose a danger to people to wander, you risk a
fine
provided for 2nd class fines. Or 150 euros
(article R622-2 of the Penal Code)
.
Dog on a leash, what to remember
In public places, keeping your category 1 or 2 dog on a leash is an obligation. Some places are even completely forbidden to them.
For other dogs, it's up to you to appreciate their behavior. If they pose no danger to third parties, you can let them go free. Conversely, they must be attached.
In all cases, the mayor can impose a leash in certain public places and inform you of this by means of a notice.
Be careful not to confuse a free dog with a wandering dog. In France, wandering is punishable by law.