Wondering what your responsibilities are when walking your pet? In certain situations, a leash is mandatory for your dog. Which one? Our answers.
Leashes are not required by law for all dog breeds. Only category 1 and 2 dogs and other animals must be leashed in public areas. There may also be more specific local restrictions.
Is it legal to keep a dog on a leash?
Several situations can be distinguished.
Dogs in forest areas
It’s like that in the forest and in the forests the obligation to walk the dog on a leash outside the forest paths between April 15 and June 30 (revenue dated 16 March 1955). This measure aims not to disturb the reproduction of wild animals.
On the contrarythe leash is no longer needed on forest roads, nor outdoors between 1ahem July and April 14. But you must always have effective control over your animal so that it is not characterized by wandering.
This measure is intended to prevent the destruction of birds and other animal species, but also to encourage their repopulation.
Dangerous dogs in the city
The regulations are clear for so-called dangerous dogs (Article L211-16 of the Rural and Marine Fisheries Code). An adult must be muzzled and on a leash:
- On public roads and in the common areas of the apartment building, dogs 1time and 2E category
- In public places, areas accessible to the public – hospital, school, court, post office, shopping center, etc. – and public transport, dogs 2.E category.
In other words, dangerous dogs must be muzzled and kept on a leash whenever in public.
On the contrarythe obligation to keep your dangerous dog on a lead in the private sphere no longer exists.
Category 1 dogs are prohibited from entering public transport, public places off public roads, publicly accessible areas, building lobbies, even if they are on a leash (article L211-16 cited above).
Other dogs in town
For animals that do not fall into categories 1 and 2, the law does not require a leash when walking in public spaces. So they can walk freely next to you, without a leash.
Unless you consider that they may pose a danger to people or pets, in which case the leash becomes mandatory again. It is up to you to judge your dog’s behavior.
Departmental health regulations, municipal ordinances or departmental ordinances may require a leash in some places if the presence of a dog could cause potential danger. (Article L211-22). For example, a public garden with children or a market place. The ban must then be posted at the entrance to the park or the market, so that the owners are informed.
Under no circumstances should your dog be seen without a leash state of wandering. It means abandoned and left to his only instinct.
You always have to (Article L211-23) :
- Keep effective supervision over him.
- Be within earshot.
- Be within 100 meters of it.
Always check the regulations in force in the city where you usually walk your dog.
Dogs in rural areas
In the same spirit, it is forbidden to let your dog inside freely (revenue dated 16 March 1955) :
What are the risks of not keeping your dog on a lead?
In the forest, the owner may be fined up to the amount for disobeying the guide when placing it up to 750 euros.
If you have a dog on a leash, you are responsible for the damage that it might cause to others. But also to another animal (Article 1243 of the Civil Code). You may therefore be ordered to pay victim compensation. Specifically, it is your liability insurance, included in your home insurance, that covers the loss.
If your dog is not kept on a lead when it should be, the mayor or prefect can order that the animal be placed in a storage place suitable for its care. If necessary, he can have euthanasia performed. (Article L211-11 of the Rural and Marine Fisheries Code).
If you release a dog that could pose a danger to people, you are taking a risk fine secured for breach 2E class. Or 150 euros (Criminal Code Article R622-2).
A dog on a leash, something not to forget
In public places, it is mandatory to keep a category 1 or 2 dog on a leash. Some places are even completely forbidden for them.
With other dogs, it’s up to you to appreciate their behavior. If they do not pose any danger to third parties, you can release them. On the contrary, they must be attached.
In all cases, the mayor may place a clue in some public places and notify you with a notice.
Be careful not to confuse a loose dog with a stray dog. In France, loitering is punishable by law.