Rules change for dog walking in France from April

Here is how to ensure you and your dog remain within the rules and avoid fines

If a dog leaves paths or trails from this date it must be kept on a lead to avoid disturbing birds and small animals Lazy_Bear/Shutterstock

Rules for dog walkers in France are changing from April 15, making it illegal to have your dog off-lead away from designated paths and trails in woods and forests over the summer.

The rule lasts until June 30.

It is intended to protect birds and small mammals during their nesting and reproductive seasons. Allowing dogs to be off-lead (leash) runs the risk that they may scare, disrupt, or even kill the animals.

Breaking this rule risks a fine of up to €750, as article R428-6 of the Code de l’environnement (environment code) defines a dog not kept on a lead is considered to be “roaming”.

The law states that dogs are permitted to roam freely on roads, forest paths and forest trails, but if the dog leaves these areas (the specific paths or trails), it must be kept on a lead.

For the rest of the year, the pet does not have to be on a lead but it must remain within a 100-metre radius of its owner at all times nonetheless.

Local rules may also be in place prohibiting dogs from certain areas, regardless of if they are on a lead or not, or requiring them to always be on a lead.

France has a list of banned breeds, which includes non-pedigree pitbulls, American Staffordshire Terriers and Mastiffs. 

Other breeds (including Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and Tosas) are permitted, but only under certain conditions. One of these is that the owner must show that they can keep control of the dog.

Read also: Reader experiences: Travelling to France with dogs