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Dogs on a leash: Strict controls after fatal incidents!
After several incidents with dogs running loose and wild animals being injured, leash requirements are being strictly monitored in the Clingse forests.
Dogs on a leash: Strict controls after fatal incidents!
There is a lot to discover in the nature around us, but particular caution is required, especially in the warm season. The trend of walking dogs off-leash in parks and forests is having serious consequences for some. Recently, two deer calves in the Clingse Bossen fell victim to a tragic fate after they were attacked by running dogs. This has now led to stricter controls on the paths. “Letting dogs loose is already forbidden, but not everyone sticks to it,” Alex Wieland from Zeeuwse Landschap is quoted as saying, pointing out the recurring incidents. Dog owners who leave their four-legged friends in the forest without a leash must expect high fines. Omroep Zeeland reports that many dog owners are unaware of the damage their animals can cause.
What's happening in the forests?
The Clingse Bossen are a popular excursion destination, especially on sunny days. Numerous visitors, including cyclists, horse riders, children playing and friendly dog owners, flocked to the nature. But the challenge remains: loose dogs can not only cause distress to the animal inhabitants of our forest, they also endanger their own species. A small bite wound from a dog can be fatal to young deer or birds. As the organization Natuur en Bos makes clear, the smells of dogs can even cause parents to not return to their young, leading to starvation. Even if a fawn looks lonely, the mother is often nearby to care for it. Nature and Bos regularly warns of the dangers and calls on dog owners to keep their animals on a leash in order to protect nature and its inhabitants.
Responsibility of dog owners
It is not only important to protect natural habitats, but also to ensure the safety of the dogs themselves. Dogs left loose can get into dangerous situations, such as attacks by wild animals or parasites. In recent years, more violations of the leash requirement have been recorded in the forests. In 2021 it happened a total of 573 times, in 2020 it was 622, compared to just 235 in 2019. For releasing dogs, there are fines of up to 80 euros, which can increase if repeated. BMEL informed that changes in the animal welfare dog regulations brought with them stricter regulations regarding the keeping and breeding of dogs. These regulations are intended to respect and promote the social and natural needs of animals.
In summary, it is very important that dog owners take responsibility. Nature is a fragile asset that requires both our attention and understanding. If we want to give our dogs a well-run run, there are special dog runs where they can romp around safely. Stay on the trails and be careful not to leave trash behind. Only together can we preserve the beauty of nature and at the same time ensure the well-being of our beloved four-legged friends.