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How should you behave with a dog near sheep, reindeer and wild animals?

Lead rules, local extensions and what happens if a dog chases animals.

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Short answer

Between 1 April and 20 August dogs in Norway must be on a lead or securely shut in, so they cannot chase or harm livestock, reindeer or wild animals. Walking at heel is not enough. Where animals graze, the municipality can extend the lead period, and an owner whose loose dog does harm can be fined and held liable.

Dogs and nature: lead rules and grazing areas a dog with a leash sitting next to a small moose silhouette and a vet cross

Why

  1. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food points out that the lead rule applies in the whole of Norway from 1 April to 20 August, and that walking at heel is not enough.
  2. Municipalities can adopt local lead rules for the period when livestock normally graze outdoors, but only in areas where livestock have the right to graze and actually do.
  3. If a loose dog does harm, the owner can be fined and held liable for damages, and in the worst case the dog can be put down.

Details

Dogs that chase livestock, reindeer or wild animals can do harm even if they do not bite. Wild reindeer live in the mountains of Southern Norway and should not be approached, and their areas are best avoided in the calving season in May. Breaking the lead rules can also lead to an infringement fine.

Tip

Before a hike, check the municipality's website for local lead rules: in areas with grazing animals the lead period can last beyond 20 August.

What may differ

Dogs with special working roles, such as dogs used in reindeer herding, trained herding dogs, service dogs and tracking dogs, are exempt from the securing rules.

Common misconception

A well-trained dog that walks at heel does not need a lead.

What actually happens

The ministry states that walking at heel is not enough during the lead period, however obedient the dog is.

People also ask

  • Do dogs have to be on a lead near sheep in Norway?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the local municipality before you travel.

Dogs and nature: lead rules and grazing areas

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