This weekend immediately a fine of 96 euros for those who don't keep the dog on the leash, but there are also rewards

Now that the weather is getting nicer, we want to go outside en masse. With the dog into nature. To set an example immediately, forest rangers and nature inspectors will hold extra supervision of loose dogs for the next two weekends (15 and 16 March and 23 March), says Jeroen Denaeghel of the Agency for Nature and Forest.

Read too. Deer bitten by stray dog, reception center evokes: « Keep your dogs on the Leiband »

Because every year again loose dogs make many victims. “A large part of life in nature takes place low to the ground. There you will find breeding birds, small mammals and resting deer. Sniffing dogs that go off the path can disturb the animals in their peace and startle. Some people are literally crushing out of fear, get hurt by barbed wire or are even killed by dogs. ”

But the odor trail that a dog leaves behind makes animals that come into contact with it anxious. For example, when a series comes into contact with a dog, there is a chance that the mother animal will leave the young, causing it to die.

“Sniffing dogs that go off the path can disturb the animals that live low to the ground in their peace and startle”

Agency for Nature and Forest

Dog snacks

Anyone who does not keep his or her dog on the leash risks a fine of 96 euros. « And no eye is pinched, » says the Agency for Nature and Forest. With recidivism or when more than one dog runs loose, the fine can go even further, it says.

Read too. « Unbelievable: it has crossed my expectations a hundred times »: Fleming Philippe has already discovered seven (!) New bird species

Those who keep his dog on the line get a reward for the dog in the form of a box of dog snacks.