Cow attack in Carinthia: hikers between pasture and injuries!

Cow attack in Carinthia: hikers between pasture and injuries!

Heiligenblut, Österreich - A couple from Upper Austria experienced a disturbing hike in Heiligenblut, Carinthia on Pentecost Sunday. According to Krone Take the tour with your white shepherd on an alpine path at an altitude of about 1590 meters. At 3:40 p.m. they came across a herd of grazing cows that were frightened by the dog. In the following confusion, the 40-year-old man let go of the dog's leash, which then ran away while the couple stood between the cows and the endangered animal.

The cows reacted aggressively and took the two hikers with their heads and horns. Fortunately, a passing car shot off the animals, causing the man's injuries (40) and his partner (44) to be limited. Your dog was not injured and could be caught later. However, experts warn that hikers should better pay attention to signs in order to avoid such unpleasant encounters.

Legal consequences of cow attacks

A current judgment that is related to cow attacks illuminates the responsibility of hikers. In a similar incident, a couple on the Turrach were attacked by a suckler cow. In this case, the woman suffered 22 broken bones, while the man was also injured. According to LKO STMK , the victims asked 35,000 euros in damages and pain and suffering from the animal owner and argued that this would have had to take better security measures such as fences.

The judges of the Supreme Court decided, however, that fences are "not common and not reasonable" in the mountains. The warning signs in the pasture areas are sufficient and the hikers themselves are responsible for their security. It was found that the hikers saw the cows and got too close, which led to the attack.

personal responsibility of the hikers

Another judgment of the Supreme Court, which dealt with a cow attack on a Carinthian couple in October 2023, produces similar arguments. According to 5min.at , the guilt of the hikers was also emphasized here. There were bilingual warning signs along the hiking trail and no previous abnormalities in the animals. Therefore, the fencing of the pasture areas is not required, unless an aggressiveness of the animals has already been shown.

The lawyer of the farmer sees the judgment as a step towards recognizing the personal responsibility of hikers. These judgments make it clear that hikers have to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions in order to avoid unpleasant encounters with animals.