Dog leads longer than two metres are banned in France, with owners facing £130 fines

Published: 09:10, 12 August 2026 | Updated: 09:11, 12 August 2026 Dog leads longer than two metres have been banned in a city in northern France.  The ban was introduced in Saint-Quentin, Hauts-de-France, in July, with dog owners facing a €150 (£130) fine if they choose to ignore the ruling.  It came after a husky on a long lead attacked and killed a chihuahua in the Parc des Champs-Elysees in the town in June.  The local council said the move would reassure owners that dangerous dogs would be kept under control, however some locals questioned whether it would stop attacks. 'It is pointless,' said Guillaume, walking his two dogs in the park.  'If you've got a dog weighing 35 or 50 or 60kg, the dog will break away if he decides to, even if the lead is two metres or less,' he told France news outlet BFM TV.  While Nicolas, another local, said he would ignore the rule, adding: 'You can't keep a dog imprisoned within two metres.  'Dogs have the right to a bit more freedom.'  Dog leads longer than two metres have been banned in a city in northern France, as owner face £130 fines for breaking the rules Others welcomed the ban, however, after describing years-long terror brought by unleashed dogs.  'My dog has already been bitten three times by small, unleashed dogs', one woman, who was walking her Great Dane, said. 'I've lived downtown for three years and I am constantly harassed.' Another owner said she carries pepper spray on walks, having had a run in with an unleashed Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the park.  'I took pepper spray to defend myself,' the woman said. 'The next time that Staffie comes at us, I'll defend myself. I know I don't have the right, but I have no choice.'  Others found their own strategies to walk their dogs safely. 'I go out with a flashlight in the evening to scare away dogs,' an owner of two small Jack Russell Terriers said.   The ruling states: 'Owners or keepers of dogs using retractable leashes are required to keep it locked at a length not exceeding two metres.'  The regulations apply to the town hall square, the basilica forecourt, the train station, parks and gardens, towpaths and areas surrounding schools.  The ban follows a consultation with residents by the local council. 'We received numerous complaints from joggers, walkers and families who were afraid of dogs off-leash,' said Philippe Vignon, deputy mayor in charge of security.  'And then there was that tragic incident on June 19. A small dog, on a leash held by its owner, was attacked and killed by a husky on a long line.  'The line was so long that the owner lost sight of the dog and control of her animal. We had to take action to restore peace and quiet.' Some locals said they felt reassured by the ruling, 'if it was respected'.  The owner of the Great Dane said: 'What we ask is that owners control their dogs.  'My dog has sometimes bolted. A dog is still a dog. And since he is big, he weighs 56kg, it's not easy, but I control him.'