Keep dogs on leash to protect young wildlife in Gelderland this spring
From mid-March to mid-July, young animals like birds, fawns, and hares are vulnerable in rural areas. Keeping your dog on a leash helps prevent disturbances that can separate young from their parents, increasing their survival chances. Farmers also benefit, as dog faeces can harm livestock.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Breeding Season | 15 March – 15 July |
| Affected Animals | Birds, fawns, hares, and other young wildlife |
| Risk of Off-Leash Dogs | Disturbance, separation from parents, and potential harm to livestock |
| Dog Park Location | Parallelweg, Winterswijk (fenced-off area) |
| Alternative Off-Leash | Hilgelo recreation area (until 1 May) |
| Supporting Organizations | Achterhoek Toerisme, LTO Noord, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, etc. |
The municipality of Winterswijk, along with regional partners, plays a key role in balancing nature conservation with recreational use of rural areas. Their campaigns aim to educate the public on responsible behavior to protect local wildlife during critical periods like the breeding season.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Protect the young in spring
On 15 March, the breeding season began. In early spring, many animals seek a partner, build nests and raise their young. During this period, birds and mammals are particularly vulnerable to disturbance. With the campaign ‘Protect the young’, we are urging visitors to give animals the peace they desperately need at this time. That is why we are making an urgent appeal: always keep your dog on a leash in rural areas during the breeding season. This way, you can prevent young animals, such as birds, fawns and hares, from being disturbed or put in danger.
Why keeping your dog on a leash is important
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 the young behind. Without their parents, they often do not survive. It is also important for farmers to keep dogs on a leash. 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 while ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the countryside. Mayor Annemiek Jetten, portfolio holder for leisure and tourism economy: “Spring brings our surroundings back to life in all their glory. Many people love to get out and enjoy it. At the same time, many young animals are born during this period. They need peace and quiet. That is why we ask you to keep your dog on a leash. This way, you help keep nature in Winterswijk healthy, so that both people and animals can continue to enjoy it.”
What you can do
You can help the young animals by keeping your dog on a leash and sticking to the paths during the breeding season (15 March – 15 July). Also, do not leave dog faeces in or near meadows. This way, we give the young in our municipality a good start. Would you like to let your dog run free? At the Parallelweg in Winterswijk, next to the sports and gymnastics hall, you will find a fenced-off dog park. All social dogs and their owners are welcome. Between sunrise and sunset, you can let your dog run free in this area with peace of mind. Your four-legged friend can also run and swim freely at the Hilgelo recreation area until 1 May. For more off-leash areas, visit the page natuurlijk te gast van Achterhoek.nl.
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 balance nature and recreation.