Insurance from 2025

Many dangers lurk for hunting dogs

Foresight is an important prerequisite for hunting in order to recognize and avoid dangers at an early stage. Veterinarians agree with this for the benefit of the hunting dogs.(Bild: Gabriele Moser)

Experts advise hunters to insure their four-legged companions. A subsidy will be granted in Burgenland from February. 

Hunting dogs are exposed to many dangers. Only recently, a dramatic incident in Seewinkel caused alarm among owners. A huntsman's faithful four-legged companion had tracked down a wild boar during the hunt, caught a fatal infection and tragically died. However, it is not only insidious viruses such as Aujeszky's disease, which triggered the current case, that can lurk on a dog in the wild.

Medical help after hunting accidents is often expensive
Accidents involving hunting dogs occur more frequently than is generally assumed, sometimes resulting in serious injuries for the four-legged companions. Treatment can sometimes be very expensive.

Schneemann (left) with Hans Peter Weiss, the state's hunting coordinator.(Bild: Büro LR Schneemann)

To avoid high costs, experts advise playing it safe. From February 1, 2025, the province of Burgenland will support accident insurance for hunting dogs that are registered as hunting dogs. The subsidy amounts to 40 euros. "Insurance cover is provided for all kinds of different accident scenarios," notes Provincial Councillor Leonhard Schneemann. Benefits such as the loss of a dog that has suffered a fatal accident while hunting or tracking are covered. According to the Provincial Councillor, the same applies in the event of an unavoidable emergency killing or if the animal has gone missing, as well as for outpatient or inpatient medical treatment, including medication and operations. Schneemann: "This funding is another important step towards more service." The state's hunting coordinator, Hans Peter Weiss, can only agree with this. Karl Grammer