Alpine driver's license: Security for dog owners on alpine pastures from 2026!

Alpine driver's license: Security for dog owners on alpine pastures from 2026!

The Austrian Farmers' Association has launched an important initiative to increase security on alpine pastures. From July 1, 2026, a mandatory certificate of expertise for dog owners will be introduced. This is an answer to the frequent dangerous incidents between careless hikers with dogs and pasture cattle. Farmers' association President Georg Strasser emphasizes that it is essential that dog owners are familiar with the behavior of pasture animals and know how they can react correctly in certain situations. This measure is designed to raise awareness of the correct use of pasture animals.

According to a publication by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Regions and Water Management from 2024, there are 8,072 alpine pastures in Austria, which together make up an area of 323,500 hectares of alpine farm. The alpine proportion is 9 % for dairy cows and 16 % for cattle. Despite many notes with rules of conduct, there are numerous accidents every year, since tourists often underestimate the dangers. Dog owners often ignore warning signals or react inappropriately.

content of the certificate of expertise

The new certificate of expertise will consist of four theory and two practical units. Essential topics such as leash obligation, animal behavior, statutory liability and emergency measures are to be integrated. Carinthia's state chairman Siegfried Huber illustrates that an alpine pasture is not a leisure landscape, but is a cultivated cultural landscape. The farmers' association demands clear requirements for security on alpine pastures to protect both the animals and the hikers.

The introduction of the certificate of expertise is not only necessary to promote knowledge about the dangers of alpine pastures, but also to promote responsible behavior of dog owners in nature. Strasser warns that responsibility for security -conscious behavior is also expected by the dog owners.

practical information and framework conditions

Awareness of dealing with nature and its residents is crucial. Therefore, the farmers' association will permanently anchor the practical content due to the central measures of expert certificate. Dog owners are encouraged to actively contribute to the training to ensure security on the alpine pastures and to minimize unforeseen conflicts between dogs and pasture cattle.

For more information about safe hiking between pasture cattle and herd protection dogs, the Alpine Club offers additional resources. These initiatives aim to make everyday life more secure for both hikers and farmers and to leave the experience of nature undisturbed.

In order to learn more about the security guidelines, interested parties can be fully information on the pages of the Exxpress, OTS und Alpenvereins read.