Leash obligation in the forest and at the edge of the forest - New dog law in Zurich
To protect wildlife, dogs must be kept on a leash in the forest and at the edge of the forest from April 1 to July 31.
The forest edge is defined as an area up to 50 meters from the forest. The leash requirement is intended to protect fawns and other young animals as well as ground nesting birds from dogs.
Legal basis
§ 11 Dogs Act of 14 April 2008 (HuG, LS 554.5)
§ 41 Hunting Act of 1 February 2021 (JG, LS 5447)
Definition "forest edge
The forest edge is the area up to 50 meters from the forest.
Leash
The line length is not regulated.
Exceptions
For hunting, rescue and service dogs, the leash requirement does not apply during deployment and during the training necessary for deployment. The following definition applies to hunting, rescue and service dogs:
Hunting dogs: Hunting dogs include dogs that are fit for use or are in training with the aim of being fit for use and are led by a person authorized to hunt.
Rescue dogs: Rescue dogs include dogs that are operational or in training with the goal of operational capability. The dog handler must be able to present a corresponding current confirmation from a recognized rescue organization.
Service dogs: Dogs of the army, the police and the border guard corps are considered service dogs.
Fenced areas: If areas such as training facilities for dogs in the forest or at the edge of the forest are fenced in such a way that they are escape-proof, the leash obligation does not apply. The fencing can also be only temporary, for example with a pasture fence.
Buses
Violations will be punished with a fine of CHF 60.
Authorized to do so are the police, game wardens, hunting district supervisors, and conservation and reserve supervisors (rangers).
