Dogs are allowed to run free again in the forest: new regulations in the Darmstadt district!

Dogs are allowed to run free again in the forest: new regulations in the Darmstadt district!

From April 22, 2025, dogs in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district can run again in the forest without a leash. This decision was made after strict measures were previously necessary due to the African swine fever (ASP) that had significantly restricted walking with dogs. The new regulations enable people to leave designated roads and paths to follow their dogs. Vice Administrator Lutz Köhler described this as a step back to normality, also in the context of epidemic protection.

However, special provisions continue to apply in Dieburg. There remains the leash during the breeding and setting time, which lasts from March to the end of June. This legal regulation is part of the Hessian Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Nature Conservation Act, which prohibit the worrying or catching of wild animals for no reasonable reason. Environmentalists also advise you not to let dogs run freely in the forest during this time.

Further regulations and benefits

It is important to note that each municipality in the district can determine its own regulations, which could lead to different handling. In addition, the regulations for hunters are relaxed in the restricted zones II; From now on, silencers are only recommended and are no longer required. For agricultural companies, the abolition of drone overfirts for wildweights before harvesting is also positive news. Restrictions for forestry have been largely lifted. However, all protective measures for pigs stop at first.

In another tragic event, a six -year -old boy named Pawlos drowned shortly after his disappearance in the Lahn near Weilburg. The boy was reported missing on March 25th and his body was found on Sunday. An autopsy showed that he had already drowned shortly after his disappearance, whereby there is no evidence of a crime or the participation of third parties. Mayor Johannes Hanisch described the situation as an "absolute exceptional situation" for the family.

In the transport infrastructure, there is also important information: On the A5 at the Northwest Cross Frankfurt, traffic jams will be threatened by 2026 due to bridge construction work. From today on, lane towards Kassel will be closed until September 26th, followed by closures towards Basel from April 28 to October 3. The exit from the A5 to the A66 towards Frankfurt-Miquelallee remains closed during the construction period.

In addition, the 18th edition of the “Lichter” film festival is organized in Frankfurt, which presents over 100 films. After the birth of her second child, the professional Thai boxer Johanna Rögner plans to quickly return to the ring. Ultimately, at least 30 babies from Middle Hesse are affected, who may suffer from hearing disabilities, whose parents are not informed.

Another important event is the upcoming burial of Pope Francis, who is buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome and not in St. Peter's Basilica. His will provides for a simple earth grave in the side wing of the church.

For the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg, the step to return to normality in the use of nature is positive progress. At the same time, the protection of wild animals and the observance of the nature conservation provisions remains of central importance.