Obligation to keep on a leash

The law on the protection of animals states: "The dog must also be able to move around in the open air every day, according to its needs - if possible without being held on a leash".

Unfortunately, the more the years go by, the stricter the rules become because of certain incivilities and accidents of bites or illegal hunting. Below we provide you with some information, not to moralise you, but to give you as much information as possible in order to avoid new restrictive measures.

In general

In Switzerland, dogs must be kept on a leash in public areas. Outside of these areas, they can be walked in general without a leash as long as they are always under control (in sight at all times and with an excellent recall).

Then, it will also be necessary to take into account the communal rules (e.g. protected area) and obviously the signs that are on the spot. Dog breeds considered potentially "dangerous" are subject to even stricter regulations, so it is better to check with the canton of destination.

On the edge of the forest and in the forest during the wildlife breeding season

For the cantons that do not have an official law, they recommend keeping dogs on a leash in order to preserve nature and avoid any incident.

Below, the list with the periods of obligation by canton:

Canton

Period

Comment

Aargau

01.04-31.07

 

Appenzell Ausserrhoden

-

 

Appenzell Innerrhoden

-

 

Basel-Landschaft

01.04-31.07

 

Basel-Stadt

-

 

Bern

 

 

Fribourg

01.04-15.07

 

Geneva

01.04-15.07

 

Glarus

all year round

 

Graubünden

-

 

Jura

-

 

Luzern

01.04-31.07

up to 50 m from the edge of the forest

Neuchâtel

15.04-30.06

 

Nidwalden

-

 

Obwalden

-

 

Schaffhausen

15.04-30.06

 

Schwyz

all year round

 

Solothurn

01.04-31.07

 

St. Gallen

01.04-15.07

 

Thurgau

-

 

Ticino

all year round

 

Uri

-

 

Valais

-

 

Vaud

01.04-15.07

 

Zug

-

 

Zürich

01.04-31.07

fino a 50 m dal margine del foresta

Why is it important to be careful during this period?

Coming out of the winter period, wild animals are weaker and the young ones that have just been born too, which makes them easy prey.

Apart from being bitten or worse, the simple fact of chasing an animal can cause a lot of stress to the animal, which can result in a heart attack or difficulties in giving birth.

This action can also end badly for your dog who can find himself in the middle of a road, slip off a cliff, etc...

Consequences if you don't follow the laws?

Failure to comply with a law will result in a fine. In some cantons, dogs that have been seen hunting game on several occasions can be shot without prior warning to the owner.

Our advice?

  • There are lanyards of different lengths that allow your dog some freedom. This should be combined with a harness instead of a collar to protect your dog's neck in case of strong traction.
  • In some cantons there are fenced or unfenced areas where dogs can run free. Find our points of interest on our DFS map!
  • In order to avoid any incident, it is preferable to call your dog back when crossing (walker, cyclist, horse, etc...) and in case of meeting another dog, ask the other owner if your dog can approach him.
  • It may be useful to consult a dog trainer in order to improve your dog's recall. This will allow you to practice recall in the presence of other dogs in a safe environment.
  • These different laws change regularly so stay attentive! 😉 On the website of the TIR foundation (website in German and English), you will find additional information on the different laws related to dogs.

 

 

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