Mandatory on a leash for dogs outside built-up areas? ‘I am shocked’

The municipality wants to adjust the General Local Ordinance (APV) on a number of points. One of the four amendments states that the municipal executive will be given the opportunity to designate places outside built-up areas where dogs must be kept on a leash. Many dog ​​owners are not happy about this.

The APV is a collection of rules intended to keep our city tidy, safe and liveable. These rules apply to all residents of our municipality. Zoetermeer dog owners can say something about it before the final decision. We spoke to two people from Zoetermeer.

“This is the opposite of what should happen!”

Raymond van Ravesteijn has lived in Zoetermeer all his life. He has his own dog walking service and responds as the owner of four dogs: “I was forwarded this message by a number of customers and I am very shocked. This to me is the opposite of what should happen. The number of places where dogs are allowed to run loose is already very limited. People already have to go to the off-leash areas by car for this. If the APV is adjusted, there will be many dogs that are already unable to walk freely on a daily basis. And that freedom and movement is so important to them!”

Harassment

The municipality’s website states that stray dogs can harass cyclists, walkers, athletes, horse riders, fishermen and other users of the outlying areas. This would apply to, for example, the Westerpark, Nieuwe Driemanspolder, Buytenpark, Noord-Aa, Noordhovenseplas and Benthuizerplas.

According to Raymond, this is not so bad in practice. “In the winter I like to walk my dogs in the area near the Noord-Aa. It has happened once in recent months that we encountered a mountain biker there. And that’s exactly what my dogs went for. The nice man stopped by to have a chat, it was no problem at all! Ultimately, we make use of the area together, so we can do that in harmony.”

Only the Balijbos left as an off-leash area

In addition, Raymond wonders: “Why do people have to cycle in the Westerpark, for example, if they can also drive around it? For me this is not necessary, but it is very easy to only think about the leash requirement. If the plans go ahead, only the Balijbos will remain as an outdoor running place. This is because it falls under the Dutch Forestry Commission. With the risk that it will only get busier there. That could just lead to a leash obligation in that area in the future as well.”

Fearful but against the leash obligation

Nicole Turfboer likes to walk and run in the Zoetermeer countryside. Despite her fear of dogs, she is against the leash requirement. Nicole explains: “To deal with my fear, I consciously choose the places I go. For example, I go to the Westerpark for a walk. When I come across stray dogs there, I remind myself that they are not allowed to run free from their owner for nothing.”

When Nicole wants to run, she goes back to the Buytenpark where dogs have to be kept on a leash. Even though she is well over her fear, and she doesn’t have a dog of her own, she is against the leash requirement. “There should be areas where the dogs can run free and areas where they must be kept on a leash. So everyone can enjoy”

Would you like to comment yourself?

This can be done through a so-called participation. On the website of the municipality you can respond until Thursday 14 April. Where possible, the reactions of the mayor and aldermen will be included in the final proposal that they submit to the municipal council. The responses received are also assessed and answered in a participation report. This report will be posted on the council’s website.