A city in northern France has banned dog leashes longer than two meters, with owners facing fines of €150 (approximately £130) for violations. The new regulation was implemented in Saint-Quentin, located in the Hauts-de-France region, in July.
The measure was enacted after a husky on a long lead attacked and killed a chihuahua in the city's Parc des Champs-Elysees in June. According to the local council, the ban aims to reassure residents that dangerous dogs will be kept under control.
However, some locals have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the ban. Guillaume, who was walking his two dogs, told France news outlet BFM TV that a dog's size and strength could still allow it to break free regardless of leash length. Another resident, Nicolas, stated he would disregard the rule, arguing that dogs deserve more freedom than a two-meter confinement allows.
The ruling specifies that owners using retractable leashes must keep them locked at a length not exceeding two meters. These regulations apply to specific public areas, including the town hall square, the basilica forecourt, the train station, parks and gardens, towpaths, and areas surrounding schools.
The ban followed a consultation period with residents, during which the local council received numerous complaints. Philippe Vignon, deputy mayor in charge of security, noted that joggers, walkers, and families had expressed fear of unleashed dogs. He also referenced the June 19 incident where a small dog, leashed but on a long line, was attacked and killed by a husky. Vignon stated the husky's owner lost sight of and control over the animal due to the excessive leash length, prompting the council to take action.
Some residents welcomed the ban, citing experiences with aggressive unleashed dogs. One woman, owner of a Great Dane, reported that her dog had been bitten three times by small, unleashed dogs and that she felt constantly harassed in the three years she had lived downtown. Another dog owner mentioned carrying pepper spray for self-defense after an encounter with an unleashed Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Others have adopted their own safety measures, such as one owner of two Jack Russell Terriers who uses a flashlight in the evening to deter aggressive dogs.