Breeding season has started: keep your dog on a leash

It is spring. That means the breeding season has begun. Until mid-July, this is an important period for many animals, such as birds, rabbits, hares, and hedgehogs. They mate, breed, and care for their young. This can only happen in peace and quiet.

That is why we ask you to keep your dog on a leash while walking. Off-leash dogs can scare animals. In some cases, animals abandon their nests or young. Eggs will not hatch, and young animals will not survive.

Your dog may only run free in designated off-leash areas. View where these areas are.

Tips for beach visitors

Are you taking your dog to the beach? Then take nature and other animals into account.

• keep your dog on a leash as much as possible
• from May 1 to October 1, it is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash between 10:00 and 19:00
• prevent your dog from chasing birds or rabbits, even at parking areas

In some places, your dog must remain on a leash all year round. This applies, for example, to the Zandmotor and at the beach entrances Schelpenpad and Watertoren. These areas are home to protected bird species that are particularly sensitive to disturbance.

More tips

Would you like to know more about how to take nature into account at the beach and in the dune area? Visit the website of Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen (Links to an external website), of which Westland is a part. Thank you on behalf of nature!