Unjustified Dog Shooting Results in Fine for Hunter
A man from Lower Franconia now carries a hefty 5,600 euro fine as a result of shooting a loose Alaskan Malamute without just cause. On Monday, the Haßfurt district court handed down this sentence, which also included confiscation of the rifle used in the crime, as confirmed by a court spokesperson.
Without any legitimacy, the hunter targeted the dog, with no evidence suggesting it had trespassed or poached in July 2022. The Austrian pet's owners had concluded a canoe trip along the Main near Knetzgau, tying their vessel to the riverbank. The dog, unleashed, frolicked in the meadow. The accused was the only animal in sight, according to the public prosecutor's office, who claimed the dog was shot by the man from his car without provocation before he drove off.
The prosecutor's office requested a 6,000 euro fine and rifle confiscation, while the defense argued for acquittal. Despite the contested pleas, the court found the defendant guilty of breaching the Animal Welfare Act. The verdict is still pending final judgment.
Regarding the case, animal welfare's importance in adhering to processes has been underscored. Noncompliance may result in criminal repercussions, as demonstrated in this Haßfurt incident. There's a possibility that the dog's liberty in the meadow, without a leash, unknowingly exposed it to unnecessary risk.
Germany's regulations for loose-dog shooting and consequences are outlined by animal welfare laws and the Lower Saxony Hunting Act, which is facing revision. The provisional Lower Saxony Hunting Act does not prohibit shooting dogs outright but imposes restrictions. Shooting can be authorized under specific conditions, such as the dog being at least 350 meters away from structures. The draft also permits training hunting dogs in certain enclosures, which contradicts animal welfare demands.
However, explicit sanctions for unjustified shooting disappear from the current debate context. Critics within animal welfare organizations have spoken out, expressing dissatisfaction and condemning the weakening of animal welfare regulations in the Lower Saxony Hunting Act draft.
[1] "Shooting loose dogs remains permitted in Lower Saxony, which was included in the draft of the new hunting law. The critics are disappointed by the lack of a clear ban." [Source: Deutsche Welle, October 11th, 2022]
