In July 2026, a Chihuahua was killed by a Husky which his master held with a lanyard. This accident which occurred in the park Champs-Élysées has since given rise to a new measure in the municipality of Saint-Quentin (department ofAisne). From now on, owners are required to hold their dog with a leash no longer than 2 meters long. The media Capital specified that in the event of an infraction, the fine incurred could reach €150.
A rule that applies in public places
Parks, streets, all public spaces are affected by this measure. But this is far from convincing dog owners. One of them assured the media BFMTV : “ It's no use. If the dog weighs 30, 40, 60 kg, whether it has a meter or two meters of leash, the force is the same. If he wants to leave, he will leave. »
Some of them are considering breaking this rule, believing that it is ” all the same (of) a park where we have the right to walk. Me, I'll leave him five meters away “.
However, this restriction is put in place with the aim of controlling your animal and “reinforcing security in public spaces”. “ The biting dog was a lunging dog, and we clearly saw that the control was not there. The principle of a public space is that it is peaceful for everyone, those who have dogs as well as those who do not have dogs, and for the dogs themselves. We must find the right balance to guarantee the safety of all. », explained Frédérique Macarezthe mayor of Saint-Quentin.
Illustration photo / Pexels
Woopets info: what does the law say about dogs on a leash?
The law is strict and formal: “ You must keep your dog on a leash if it poses a danger to people or other pets. You are responsible for any damage your dog may cause to people or other pets. » However, no French legislation fixes the length of the leash. This depends on the decrees of each town hall or specific regulations in natural areas. But, broadly speaking, the rules are established as follows:
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In town and in public places: no precise size is fixed, but several municipalities set a maximum length by municipal decree (often between 1 and 2 meters). The regulations of each town hall can be consulted on site.
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In the forest (from April 15 to June 30): a national decree It is forbidden to leave dogs without a leash outside of forest paths. Animals must be kept on a leash or under strict supervision, to protect wildlife during reproduction.
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Cases of dangerous dogs (categories 1 and 2): they must be muzzled and held by an adult. Here again no length is defined, except by specific municipal decree.