When the dog becomes a target: When are hunters in Germany allowed to shoot at loose dogs?

Legal framework: What does the Hunting Act say?

The Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG) regulates, among other things, when and why a hunter may shoot at free-roaming dogs. Section 23 BJagdG is particularly decisive here. It allows hunters to kill dogs that are poaching in the hunting ground if other measures are not sufficient to protect the wild animals. The aim is to protect native wildlife from stress, injury or death.

But beware: not every free-roaming dog is automatically considered "poaching". According to the law, this refers to dogs that are outside the control of their owner and chase, tear or harass game.

What does "out of control" mean?

A dog is considered "out of control" if it cannot be controlled by calling or other commands. If your dog runs free, but always stays close to you and obeys reliably, a hunter may not simply shoot at it.

When is a hunter actually allowed to shoot?

The legal requirements are clear, but in practice there is room for interpretation. Here are the most important points you should know:

Poaching as a basic requirement

A dog must be actively poaching for a hunter to be allowed to intervene at all. In concrete terms, this means that your dog is chasing wild animals such as deer, hares or birds, injuring or killing them or seriously endangering them. Simply sniffing around in the forest or following a scent does not count as poaching.

Maintaining proportionality

A hunter must not immediately reach for a weapon. He must first try to drive the dog away in other ways - for example by shouting, clapping or firing warning shots into the air. Only if all these measures fail is a shot at the dog permitted.

Focus on the protection of game

The protection of game has top priority. This means: If the damage to wild animals is minor - for example, because your dog only runs after a hare for a short time and then stops - the hunter may not shoot.

Only in your own hunting ground

A hunter may only hunt in his own hunting ground. If your dog runs in an area that is not part of the hunter's hunting ground, the hunter has no authority whatsoever.

Gray areas and misunderstandings: Why do conflicts still arise?

Despite the clear legal regulations, there are always reports of dogs being shot - and questions often remain unanswered. Some issues regularly lead to conflicts:

What exactly is "poaching"?

Whether a dog is really poaching is often a matter of interpretation. For dog owners, their four-legged friend running around may seem harmless, whereas hunters see it as a danger to wild animals.

Can the hunter assess the situation?

Hunters have to act quickly and cannot always accurately assess whether a dog is just playing or really hunting. In such moments, wrong decisions can be made.

Emotional distress

For many dog owners, the loss of a dog is unimaginable. Even if a hunter has acted in accordance with the law, those affected often feel that they have been treated unfairly.

Duties and rights of dog owners

As a dog owner, you have a great responsibility. You must ensure that your dog does not endanger wild animals or other people. Here are some tips to avoid conflicts:

Keep your dog on a lead

In many federal states, dogs must be kept on a lead in forest and field areas during the breeding season (April 1 to July 15). During this time, many wild animals give birth to their offspring and are in particular need of protection.

Intensify recall training

A good recall is the be-all and end-all. Practice regularly with your dog so that he can reliably come back to you even when distracted.

Be careful in hunting grounds

Hunting grounds are usually well signposted. Avoid such areas if you want to let your dog run free, or keep him on a lead consistently.

Seek communication with hunters

Many conflicts can be avoided by talking openly. If you know that an area is managed by a hunter, speak to them and find out about possible dangers.

What to do if it does happen?

If your dog has been shot by a hunter, it is a shock. But you still have rights in such cases:

1. Clarify the legal situation: Have it checked whether the hunter really acted lawfully. A lawyer or animal welfare organization can help you with this.
2. Secure evidence: Take photos of the scene and look for witnesses who observed the incident.
3. Seek aconversation: Many hunters are willing to explain the situation. Sometimes misunderstandings can be clarified without the need for a legal dispute.

Conclusion: Prevention is the key

The best protection for your dog is caution. Adhere to leash requirements, train recall and avoid areas where conflicts could arise. At the same time, it is important to understand the hunter's perspective: They have a responsibility to protect wildlife and often have to make difficult decisions.

Your opinion is needed!

How do you feel about this topic? Have you had any experiences with hunters and your dog? Feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments!