There are many limits to canine freedom

There are many limits to canine freedom

In the canton of Geneva, walks in the forest are an invigorating way for our four-legged friends to enjoy themselves to the full. However, some onlookers claim that they should be kept on a lead even in the wild... Is this true?

Z.

Going out in the woods can be less fun for dogs than you might think, especially in spring. The canton of Geneva has a law on dogs (LChiens) and an implementing regulation (RChiens), which deal in their respective chapters with various issues including the breeding and trading of dogs, dangerous dogs and the keeping of dogs. They contain numerous regulations on the presence and behaviour of dogs in certain areas, which can be divided into three categories.

The first category includes places where dogs are banned, such as cemeteries, hospitals, schools, children's playgrounds and paddling pools.

The second category covers places where dogs must be kept on a lead. These generally include public areas and Geneva International Airport. According to art. 14 let. f of the Rchiens, this includes forests, where man's (or woman's, of course!) best friend must be kept on a lead between 1ᵉʳ April and 15 July, and permanently when the keeper is not in full control of the animal. In principle, these restrictions do not apply in woodland areas on private land, for those lucky enough to own or frequent such bits of nature where dogs can roam off-leash all year round. However, be careful not to lose control of them and let them venture into public areas...

The third category is that of properties in which dogs can live without restraint, with the exception of those constituted by any fences. In these areas, dogs may be allowed to roam freely, under the control and responsibility of their owners. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, law enforcement officers, municipal police and environmental wardens may take the necessary steps to prevent or put a stop to unlawful acts and to draw up reports of offences. Any infringement of the law or its implementing regulations may be punished, depending on its seriousness, by administrative measures and/or a fine.