Tempers flare in debate over leash requirement for dogs in Sonian Forest

A debate over a leash requirement for dogs in the Sonian Forest, the 4,421-hectare woodland on the southeast edge of Brussels, has tempers running high.

Several complaints have been made in the past about dogs running loose in the forest, bothering hikers or disturbing the flora and fauna, reports Bruzz.

Off-leash dogs have been largely tolerated in Brussels so long as they’re behaved, but following numerous complaints from hikers and horseback riders, and after a third roe deer in one month was killed by an unleashed dog, a Walloon forester is asking that the legislation on unleashed dogs in the three regions of Belgium be brought into line.

Roe deer in Belgium are highly revered and protected, but off-leash dogs have caused at least three in one month to suffer fatal heart attacks by chasing and biting them. 

Now equestrians are complaining, because the off-leash dogs also startle horses. In at least one case, a rider was thrown from their horse after it was spooked by an unleashed dog. 

“I was riding my horse at a calm pace when a dog tried to attack my horse,” Manuela Gaggini told Bruzz, adding that this was the third time she and her horse had been attacked by a dog off its lead in the Sonian Forest. 

“I’m not the only one who has already been the victim of an attack by a dog. Since the coronavirus crisis there have been more and more incidents.”

Some ‘lockdown dogs’ less socialised and worse behaved

Many people adopted dogs during the coronavirus pandemic due to loneliness, but not every spontaneous owner has dedicated time to training their domestic companions. 

Even for those who have, with various lockdown measures in place, opportunities have been few and far between when it comes to getting dogs accustomed to mingling with strangers and crowds in public places.

“I love dogs,” emphasised Manuela, “but it is extremely dangerous if they are allowed to roam freely, especially in areas where it is not allowed.”

Frederik Vaes, head of the Forest Department at Brussels Environment, explained that the pandemic was also the reason why visitors to the Sonian Forest are having to share the nature spot with more guests than usual. “More people have started to look for nature and therefore also the Sonian Forest.”

“As a result, there are not only more people, but also cyclists, horse riders, dogs and therefore more conflicts,” he said.

Unclear regulations lead to confusion

In Flanders and Wallonia, dogs must always be on a leash in public places, and off-leash areas are generally clearly marked and fenced off. 

In Brussels, dogs don’t have to be on a leash in many places, but they do have to be “under control”, meaning in sight of the owner and obedient to commands. The owner must also be able to adequately assess a potential negative impact on other people and wildlife.

Vaes says the differences in regulations in the regions caused confusion, which is why he’s pushing for Brussels to match the rules of Flanders and Wallonia and require dogs to be leashed in public. 

Environment Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo) said he recognised the need for harmonised rules, “however, the important social function of the Brussels area must be taken into account. That's why a study by Brussels Environment is underway on, among other things, specific dog-walking zones.”

Dog owners demand to be able to use the forest

Dog owners don’t plan to forfeit unleashed access to the forest without a fight. More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition demanding that the forest stay open to dogs.  

“These are the only areas in the Brussels region where dogs can enjoy their freedom in the middle of nature,” said Isabela Atanasiu, who set up the petition. “Most of the dog owners who use these areas are responsible people who love the forest.”

Brussels MP Carla Dejonghe (Open VLD) would seemingly agree. Dejonghe also created a petition in May of 2021, calling for more off-leash dog areas to be added to the Belgian capital. 

“The number of pets in Brussels continues to increase,” Dejonghe said. “These animals need to be able to let off steam once in a while. They can't do that on a leash.”

Raising awareness about civility in shared spaces

Vaes says a legislative framework wouldn’t solve all the problems and that the focus should be on raising awareness about common courtesy. 

“We have to make it clear to users that they can come to the Sonian Forest, but with respect for each other and for the forest. Everyone has to do their part,” said Vaes.