The invention relates to a winding device for an animal leash (1), in particular for a dog leash, comprising a housing (1) which houses the leash (3) and has a pull-out limiting device and a retaining ring (4) having an engagement opening (5), said retaining ring (4) having a pivot arm (4a) which is connected to the retaining ring (4) by means a pivot joint (6), closes the engagement opening (5) of the retaining ring (4) in its non-pivoted position and releases the engagement opening (5) of the retaining ring (4) in its pivoted position. In order to be able to use such a winding device in a simple manner to secure a dog in a motor vehicle in compliance with safety regulations, according to the invention, a lock tongue (11) is arranged at the pivot arm (4a) at its end facing away from the pivot joint (6) or at the retaining ring (4) at its end facing the pivot arm (4a), which tongue (11) can be inserted into a motor vehicle belt buckle when the retaining ring (4) is open.
