New dog walking rules in France: Keep your pet on a lead from April 15

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New Dog Walking Rules in France

From April 15th to June 30th, new regulations in France mandate that dogs must be kept on a leash outside designated paths and trails in forests and wooded areas. This measure aims to safeguard birds and small mammals during their breeding season, preventing disturbances or harm caused by unleashed dogs.

Fines for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines of up to €750, as outlined in article R428-6 of the Code de l’environnement. A dog off-leash outside designated areas is considered "roaming" under the law.

Exceptions and Existing Rules

Dogs are allowed off-leash on roads, forest paths, and trails. However, leaving these designated areas requires a leash. For the remainder of the year, dogs don't need leashes but must stay within a 100-meter radius of their owners. Local regulations may also impose further restrictions.

Banned and Restricted Breeds

France maintains a list of banned dog breeds, including certain types of pitbulls and Mastiffs. Other breeds like Staffordshire Terriers and Rottweilers are permitted under specific conditions, requiring owners to demonstrate control over their dogs.

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.

Dog walking changes and dates in France ConnexionFrance / Canva

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.

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