Off-leash dog kills roe deer fawn in Ticino

It happened a few days ago in the Sopraceneri region of the canton of Ticino.

It is a photo that speaks for itself and went viral on Ticino social networks within a few hours, provoking widespread outrage among users. The image shows an off-leash dog returning to its owner with its prey: a newborn roe deer. A retouched photo? Fake news? No, it is a genuine incident that took place in recent days in a village in the Sopraceneri, as confirmed by the cantonal office for hunting and fishing.

A walk with a dog allowed to run freely in nature, just a stone's throw from the forest, ended with the death of a young wild animal. The episode concluded with the owner turning himself in. As is customary, proceedings were initiated against him, according to the authorities.

During the spring months, when many wild animals are giving birth and breeding, some cantons have strict regulations on walking dogs in forests in order to protect wildlife. Each canton has its own rules regarding leash requirements during the breeding and birthing season. Corresponding regulations can be found — depending on the canton — in both cantonal hunting and dog laws as well as in the associated ordinances.

Are there regulations regarding the leash?

Since the laws are focused on the welfare of wild animals, the length or type of leash is irrelevant.

The use of a long trailing lead or retractable leash is also permitted, as long as the dog owner holds it and can control the dog with it.

In this way, dogs can be given a certain degree of freedom of movement even when a leash is required.

Important: For health reasons, long leashes (e.g. trailing leads or retractable leashes) should only be attached to a well-fitting harness and never to a collar.

Not an isolated incident

What happened in Ticino a few days ago and was brought to the public's attention appears to be an isolated incident. However, that is not the case. «Such cases still occur far too often in Ticino», says Tiziano Putelli, head of the Hunting and Fisheries Office. At the national level, in 2019 alone, 427 roe deer fell victim to dogs, as shown by the most recent Federal Statistical Office data.

The appeal from the authorities – The cantonal authorities have a recommendation for all dog owners: «When you go for a walk, it is important to always keep your animals on a leash and not to underestimate their instincts.» This applies both for the protection of wildlife and for people.

What penalties are there?

What happens when a dog kills a wild animal? A violation procedure with a fine is initiated against the owner. Payment of the head value for the killed animal is required — a value based on an established tariff.