Spring alert: Keep dogs leashed to protect young wildlife in Gelderland
As animals nest and raise their young this spring, disturbance from unleashed dogs can threaten vulnerable wildlife. Authorities urge dog owners in Gelderland’s Achterhoek region to keep pets leashed in rural areas to safeguard fawns, birds, and other young animals during breeding season.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Protect the young |
| Region | Achterhoek, Gelderland |
| Target Group | Dog owners, hikers, nature visitors |
| Main Advice | Keep dogs on a leash in rural areas; stay on paths |
| Supporting Organizations | Achterhoek Toerisme, LTO Noord, Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten, municipalities |
| Off-Leash Dog Areas | Doggy Dating website |
| Initiative | Natuurlijk te Gast in de Achterhoek |
The municipalities of the Achterhoek, along with nature organizations, play a key role in balancing recreation and wildlife protection. This campaign reflects their responsibility to enforce local regulations and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and nature during critical breeding periods.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Protect the young this 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 during this time.
That is why we are making an urgent appeal: always keep your dog on a leash in rural areas. This prevents young animals, such as birds, fawns, and hares, from being disturbed or put in danger.
What you can do
You can help the young animals by keeping your dog on a leash and staying on the paths. Also, do not leave dog waste in or near meadows. This way, we give the young animals in our municipality a good start. Want to know where your dog is allowed to run off-leash? Visit the Doggy Dating website (link is external).
About the campaign
The ‘Protect the young’ campaign is supported by Achterhoek Toerisme, LTO Noord, Gelders Particulier Grondbezit, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, and the municipalities of the Achterhoek. They work together under the banner ‘Natuurlijk te Gast in de Achterhoek’, an initiative to ensure nature and recreation go hand in hand.