Protection for wild animals during the breeding and nesting season until July 15th
In Riedstadt, dogs must be kept on a leash in open countryside from March 1st to July 15th. This is due to the breeding and nesting season, during which many wild animals give birth to their young or build their nests. The regulation is intended to protect ground-nesting birds and young animals in particular from disturbances and dangers.
During this period, dogs must be kept on a leash even when walking outside of built-up areas. Violations of this regulation can be considered an administrative offense and may be subject to a fine.
Protection for young animals and ground-nesting birds
In spring, numerous bird species such as pheasants, partridges, ducks, and various songbirds build their nests on the ground. At the same time, animals like deer, foxes, and hares give birth to their young. These young need peace and protection, especially during their first few weeks of life.
Due to their hunting instinct, dogs running loose pose a danger to young animals. If wild animals are chased or injured, this can also have legal consequences for the dog owners.
Special consideration for lapwing and partridge
Even outside the breeding and nesting season, the city asks for special consideration for two endangered bird species in the region: the lapwing and the partridge.
The critically endangered lapwing breeds, among other places, in an area behind the central sewage treatment plant in the Goddelau district. This ground-nesting bird prefers damp meadows and areas with short vegetation. Information signs mark suitable refuges there.
The Hessian Ried region has also been a model region for partridge conservation for several years. In the project "Save the Partridge – Promote Diversity," the Groß-Gerau Landscape Conservation Association, together with stakeholders from nature conservation, hunting, and agriculture, is recording the populations of the species. Accompanying measures such as wildflower meadows are intended to help secure the population in the long term.
Leash requirement year-round in protected areas
Regardless of the breeding and nesting season, dogs must be kept on a leash year-round within built-up areas and in protected areas. This includes, among others, the Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue nature reserve.
The city points out further rules
The city also reminds dog owners that they must immediately clean up after their dogs in public areas. Appropriate containers must be carried when walking dogs.
Dogs are strictly prohibited from entering playgrounds. Violators may be fined. The city police have announced increased patrols.
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
Featured image: Successful breeding of a lapwing (here a fledgling) in the Großer Michelried in Erfelden. Photo: Matthias Harnisch
