Following much debate from users of the Sonian forest in Brussels, it will be mandatory for dogs to be on a leash when in the nature reserve beginning in 2023.
People were sharply divided on the matter, but unleashed dogs had been the cause death for multiple deer, and have been a nuisance to horseback riders and families sharing the space, Bruzz reports.
As a compromise for those who say the park is the only place their dog can run freely through nature, certain zones will be designated as off-leash areas.
Bruxelles Environnement is also carrying out a study to look into further reasons for the decline in the deer population, which has accelerated since 2020.
Dwindling deer population cause for concern
Between 2008 and 2013 there were still 1.1 deer per square kilometre, but between 2017 and 2020 this number dropped to 0.6. In 2021, the figure fell further to just 0.5 per square kilometre.
According to researchers, this is not merely a decline in the number of observations, but a real decline, Environment Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo) said Wednesday in the Environment Committee, responding to a question from MP Ingrid Parmentier.
The main causes of death among deer in the forest are attacks from unleashed dogs and collisions with motorists.
Related News
- Flanders sees record number of registered dogs
- Dog faeces harmful for biodiversity in nature reserves, study shows
- Forêt de Soignes gets tough on dog walkers
It regularly happens that a deer, startled by a dog or something else, runs onto the road surrounding the forest and is struck by a car. In the Brussels part of the forest, 20-30 deer per year are attacked by dogs, according to Bruxelles Environnement.
This number has risen sharply in 2020, not only in the Brussels part but in the whole forest.
Lockdown dogs
The number of people using the forest increased during the pandemic as lockdowns prompted more people to seek out nature.
Dog ownership likewise increased, and the combined factors have put pressure on the forest and its ecosystem.
Credit: Pixabay
The Sonian forest spans all three regions of Belgium, but rules for dogs were inconsistent: leashes were required in the Flemish and Walloon sections, but not the part of the forest in Brussels.
This will change as of 2023, with the delayed start-date allowing time for the construction of the special areas in which dogs will be allowed more freedom.
A working group coordinated by Brussels Environment will be tasked with balancing animal welfare with both the ecological and social functions of the forest.
