Leash requirement for dogs: What dog owners need to know now - New leash laws in Germany aim to protect wildlife during breeding season
New leash laws for dog owners have come into force across Lower Saxony and Bremen. The rules aim to protect wildlife during critical breeding seasons. Owners who fail to comply could face steep fines.
In Lower Saxony, dogs must be leashed outdoors from 1 April to 15 July. This period covers the peak of wildlife breeding and nesting. The restriction applies in all 'open countryside', including forests, meadows, fields, and watersides—even within town boundaries.
Bremen enforces a slightly different schedule, requiring leashes from **15 March to 15 July**. Both regions exempt working dogs, such as hunting dogs on official duty, police dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Urban parks surrounded by buildings are not automatically covered, but local councils may impose their own rules for green spaces or tourist areas. Swimming with dogs is usually permitted, though some lakes set aside specific dog-friendly zones. Nature reserves and wildlife protection areas often ban dogs entirely to prevent disturbances. Violations can lead to fines of up to **€5,000** in Lower Saxony, with penalties varying by location. The laws focus on reducing stress on ground-nesting birds, young deer, and other vulnerable species. Authorities have not released figures on how many individual towns in the regions have added extra restrictions beyond the standard regulations.
The temporary leash requirements remain in place until mid-July. Dog owners are advised to check local signage before visiting parks or natural areas. Fines and wildlife protection measures will stay in effect throughout the breeding season.
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