The Environment Department of the City of Salzgitter draws attention to the regulations on the obligation to keep dogs on a lead: dogs must be kept on a lead in certain places and at certain times. The reason: many wild animals give birth in spring. Especially for ground-nesting birds or animals that play dead when in danger, the exploratory tour of man's best friend can end fatally.
The Lower Saxony Forest and Landscape Act (NWaldLG) therefore stipulates that dogs must be kept on a lead in the forest and open countryside from April 1 to July 15.
Parks, gardens and green spaces are not considered open countryside, but dogs must be kept on a lead there all year round for other reasons.
This naturally applies to all places frequented by people, for example the "Salzgittersee" sports, leisure and recreation area. Signposted dog exercise areas are exempt from this.
Dogs must be kept on a lead all year round at monuments, bodies of water and their banks, as well as in the nature conservation areas in the city. The regulations of the landscape conservation area "Osterholz, Südholz, Kassebusch" also point this out.
There are also protected areas, which include the forest, all wooded areas in the Feldmark and all landscape conservation areas. Dog owners must keep their pets on a leash in these areas from January 1 to June 30.
Where and when can my dog run around freely?
In summary, this means that from July 1 until the end of the year, dogs that are not generally required to be kept on a leash can go for walks without a leash, with the exception of nature reserves and the "Osterholz, Südholz, Kassebusch" landscape conservation area as well as areas with a different purpose.
What happens if I don't keep to the compulsory lead?
Anyone who violates these regulations is committing an administrative offense and risks a fine.
