The invention relates to a device for leading animals by means of a leash. The leash is fastened, via a coupling element, on a strap which can be worn around a user's hips. The release and roll-up mechanism is present between the leash and the strap for releasing the leash under pulling action and for automatically rolling up the released leash by means of spring force. The operations of releasing and rolling up the leash can be limited manually by means of a blocking mechanism.