Dogs

The council has set up around 140 areas where you are allowed to walk your dog(s) off the lead and do not have to pick up after them. The council takes care of that. We call these areas ‘dog walking areas’ (HUP). The council only cleans the grassy areas and not between the bushes; there is no obligation to clear up dog mess in these areas either.

Take a look at the interactive dog-walking map at the bottom of the page to view all HUPs. If the place where you walk your dog is not marked on this map, you must keep your dog on a lead and clear up after it.

You can submit a request to Apeldoorn City Council for a new HUP in a location where there isn’t one yet or where there isn’t one in the immediate vicinity. The council’s guideline is a 6-minute walk from the property. You must submit the request online via the Buitenlijn. This application is free of charge.

The local authority seeks advice from the relevant neighbourhood council on every application. If the advice is favourable, a notice of the intention to implement a HUP is published in the local newspapers. Local residents may then submit their objections.

• If there are any concerns, the applicants will be invited to a meeting with the local authority, and they will attempt to reach an agreement amongst themselves. If this is not successful, we will assess your application against the formally adopted policy and a decision will be made regarding the outcome of your application.
• If there are no objections, the local authority will adopt the HUP. Local residents may then lodge objections, after which the process continues appeals process.

Duty to keep dogs on a lead

Within the built-up areas of Apeldoorn, dogs must be kept on a lead: you must walk your dog on a lead. This rule is set out in the General Local By-laws. If you fail to comply with this, you may be fined. Exceptions are the dog walking areas (HUPs) that have been specifically designated for this purpose. In HUPs, you may let your dog run and play freely, provided it does not disturb others. It is forbidden to bring a dog into a children’s play area.

Duty to clear up

When you are out in a public place in Apeldoorn with a dog, you are obliged to clear up the dog’s faeces immediately. Dogs may relieve themselves in the designated dog walking areas. You do not need to clear up after them there. The obligation to clear up does not apply to anyone who, due to a disability, is accompanied by a guide dog or a service dog.

Cleaning agent required

Within the built-up areas of Apeldoorn, you are also required to carry a litter-picking tool, such as a small spade or a bag. If an inspector asks to see it, you must show them this tool. If you do not have a litter-picking tool with you, you will be fined.

Fines

If you break the rules, you risk the following fines:

• €110 for a dog running loose in a built-up area
• €170 for a dog running loose in a children’s playground, on a play field or in a sandpit
• €170 for failing to clear up dog faeces immediately in a public place (outside a designated dog walking area)
• €110 for not carrying a clean-up kit (poo bags or a poo scoop) with you

An administration fee of €9 will be added to this.

Barking and biting incidents

Report incidents of barking and biting online or by telephone on 14 055.

If you have one or more dogs in Apeldoorn, you will have to pay dog licence fees, regardless of your dog’s size, and even if your dog spends little or no time outdoors. The amount you pay depends on the number of dogs you have.

The local authority uses this tax revenue to pay for the construction, maintenance and cleaning of dog walking areas. It also funds communication and enforcement measures relating to the obligation to clear up after dogs and keep them on a lead, animal welfare, and tackling incidents involving barking and biting.

• For more information about dog licence fees, please visit the Tribute website.

To inspire you to go out for a walk with your dog, a dog-friendly walking route has been created in every district. The routes feature lovely paths, take you past a number of dog-walking areas and take about 45 minutes to complete.

Do you have any suggestions for a nice walking route to take with your dog? Please email them to rein@apeldoorn.nl.

Incidents involving dogs biting people occur regularly. It is our duty to intervene in the event of (imminent) dog bite incidents. The mayor may impose a lead requirement or a requirement for both a lead and a muzzle. If necessary, the mayor may also have a dog seized. You can report biting incidents register with the local council or report it to the police.

• For dogs with behavioural problems, please contact Dog Safety Netherlands (Wilp Achterhoek, in the municipality of Voorst)
• The Sophia Introductory Lecture teaches children how to interact with dogs safely and respectfully. They offer free lessons with a dog in the classroom for the youngest year groups in primary school.
• The central government wants to gain a better understanding of biting incidents. Report a biting incident to the Government.