Spring is not only the time for walks, bike rides, and outdoor activities, but also a time when agricultural work increases significantly. To ensure that everyone can coexist harmoniously on country roads and in the countryside, the Tübingen District Office asks that you observe the rules of conduct and show mutual consideration.
Field work requires attention and patience
During the peak agricultural season, tractors and other agricultural machinery are on the road more frequently. These are often large, wide, heavy, and slow. According to a statement from the district administration, this can cause obstructions, especially on narrow country lanes. By showing mutual consideration and understanding for the work that needs to be done, everyone can help to ensure the food supply.
Agricultural land is not a playground
Fields, meadows, and farmland are agricultural areas used for food production. Entering these areas during the growing season is prohibited in order to protect the soil structure and crops. In addition, fields and meadows are habitats for numerous wild animals and rare birds.
Farmland is off-limits between sowing and harvesting, and grassland is off-limits from March to the end of October. It doesn’t matter if the land is fenced in or not. People and dogs aren’t allowed to go there.
Keeping dogs on a leash protects wild and farm animals
Dogs running free can scare wild animals and birds, endangering their broods and young. They can also cause damage on pasture land by causing grazing animals to panic. As a general rule, dogs should not be allowed to roam freely on farmland or meadows and should be kept under control.
According to the Tübingen District Office, to protect rare bird species, a ban on entry and a leash requirement for dogs have been in effect since the beginning of April between Heuberg and the district road from Rottenburg to Wendelsheim, as well as between the state road from Wurmlingen to Rottenburg and the Bischoff quarry pond.
Dog feces and litter can cause great damage
Dog feces in meadows and fields is a serious problem. Cattle and horses can become ill from contaminated hay. The risk is particularly high for pregnant cattle, which may suffer miscarriages.
Rubbish such as bottles, cans, or broken glass should also be disposed of in public trash cans or at home. Objects left lying in meadows can cause life-threatening injuries to cattle and horses and cause significant damage to machinery.
Discarded food waste poses a high risk of spreading African swine fever. Although African swine fever is harmless to humans, it is fatal to domestic and wild pigs. To prevent the spread of the disease, food and food waste should never be left behind when spending time in nature.
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