Heemstede has been nominated by the Royal Dog Protection Agency for the most dog-friendly municipal election in the Netherlands. Teylingen and Dronten are also competing for the title, although many Heemstede dog owners think Heemstede has a very good chance. “I do think Heemstede could win, because the Groenendaal walking forest is fantastic!”, says a man with a black labrador. “What can beat this?”
About 10 percent of the inhabitants of Heemstede have a dog, which means that the municipality has about 3,000 dogs. Those four-legged friends have a great time in the municipality, especially in the Groenendaal forest. This is a popular place for many dogs and their owners, because dogs are allowed to run free and romp around in the entire area.
“It’s fenced, so the dogs can’t run away,” says a woman who walks her young dog there every day. “And there are always other dogs he can play with. When it rains you also walk a bit sheltered here.”
Pros
This unique off-leash spot is a big plus in the municipality, according to the Dog Protection Agency. In addition, Heemstede has a clear policy regarding bite incidents, there is a dog school and no dog tax has to be paid.
This is also popular with many dog owners. “I always thought it was unfair, because there is no cat tax, but dog tax is levied,” says a man. “But we’re happy with that.” Dog owners can also use free poop bags.
Communication could be better
The municipality scores less well in the field of dog policy communication. “What about the poop bags and where you can all run loose, that information has been thrown into a big heap. So that is less clear,” said the Dog Protection Agency.
The municipality of Heemstede is enthusiastic about the nomination. “This is of course very nice,” said a spokesperson who does not want to go into further detail. Which municipality will be voted the most dog-friendly will become clear on 13 October.
You can vote until October 2.