Walking your dog without a leash in the forest is punishable by 750 euros until June 30

From Monday April 15 and until June 30, as every year, dog owners will be obliged to keep them on a leash when walking in the forest outside forest paths, according to a ministerial decree in force since 1955. In case for non-compliance, dog owners face a fine of up to 750 euros.

The ministerial decree was taken in order to preserve wildlife. According to the National Forestry Office, it was during this period that the “the birthing of mammals and the nesting of birds”. By their presence, dogs can “disturb and stress forest animals”, And “endanger their reproduction”.

The order runs from April 15 to June 30. As a reminder, it is prohibited all year round “to let dogs wander in cultivated or uncultivated land, meadows, vineyards, orchards, woods, as well as in marshes and on the banks of watercourses, ponds and lakes”specifies the decree of March 16, 1955.