Spring alert: Keep your dog on a leash to save young wildlife in the Achterhoek
As breeding season begins, young animals like birds, fawns, and hares face threats from off-leash dogs. Keeping your dog leashed in rural areas helps protect vulnerable wildlife and prevents harm to livestock. A simple step can make a big difference for nature this spring.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Protect the young (started in early spring 2026) |
| Region | Achterhoek, Gelderland |
| Target Animals | Birds, fawns, hares, calves, cows |
| Threat | Dogs off-leash, dog faeces (Neospora parasite) |
| **Supporting Organizations | Achterhoek Toerisme, LTO Noord, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, etc. |
| More Info | www.achterhoek.nl/natuurlijk-te-gast |
The municipalities of the Achterhoek, along with nature organizations, play a key role in balancing recreation and wildlife protection. This campaign is part of their broader effort to promote responsible outdoor behavior while preserving local ecosystems.
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Read the full translated article below
Protect the young in spring
The breeding season has begun. In early spring, many animals seek a mate, build nests, and raise their young. During this period, birds and mammals are particularly vulnerable to disturbance. With the ‘Protect the young’ campaign, we urge visitors to give animals the peace they desperately need at this time. That is why we make this urgent appeal: keep your dog on a leash in rural areas during this season. This helps prevent young animals, such as birds, fawns, and hares, from being disturbed or put in danger.
Why keeping your dog on a leash matters
Young animals perceive dogs as a threat—even if your dog is small, playful, or friendly. When a dog comes too close, parent animals flee, leaving their young behind. Without their parents, the offspring often do not survive. It is also important for farmers to keep dogs on a leash, as dog faeces can contain the parasite Neospora, which can seriously sicken calves and cows.
Working together for a vibrant landscape
With this campaign, we aim to protect nature. You can help young animals by keeping your dog on a leash and sticking to the paths. Also, do not leave dog faeces in or near meadows. This way, we give the young in our municipality a good start in life.
Want to know where your dog is allowed to run free? Check out www.achterhoek.nl/natuurlijk-te-gast
Protect the young
The ‘Protect the young’ campaign is supported by Achterhoek Toerisme, LTO Noord, Gelders Particulier Grondbezit, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, and the municipalities of the Achterhoek. They collaborate under the banner ‘Natuurlijk te Gast in de Achterhoek’, an initiative to balance nature and recreation.