As of: February 17, 2024, 8:00 p.m
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An injured hedgehog in the garden, a miserably peeping bird in the middle of the road or a wounded deer next to the country road: we explain what to do.
Every year, countless animals are hit, attacked by dogs or cats, or otherwise injured while wandering through town and country.
When you find such an animal, you may cringe and ask yourself: What can I even do?
Can the animal be dangerous to me?
Will I end up with major costs?
These questions are legitimate - but no reason not to care for a helpless living being.
If you don't want to endanger yourself and your wallet, you just need to keep a few things in mind.
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Injured animals on or near the road: Pay attention to your safety first
The first priority is always that you do not put yourself in danger.
If you are driving and discover an injured animal on the road, secure the site just as you would in the event of an accident.
So put up a warning triangle and turn on the hazard lights when you are standing on the road.
Otherwise, other vehicles could hit you or your car.
You should also approach the wounded animal itself with caution.
When animals are in pain, they can quickly become aggressive.
So be prepared that the animal may try to scratch or bite you.
Always keep a safe distance, especially from wild animals such as foxes or wild boars.
Now call the police or the local animal protection association and describe the situation.
Injured wild animals definitely need professional help.
© G. Lacz / Imago
Injured pets may not be kept
If you find injured pets such as dogs or cats, the Civil Code does not allow you to simply keep them.
However, short-term admission is possible.
But be sure to call the police or the local animal shelter and report the find.
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Who will cover the costs if I bring a wounded animal in for treatment?
Veterinarians usually treat injured found animals free of charge - although they are not obliged to do so.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind so that you don't have to pay the costs.
In Germany, a legal distinction is made between found animals and homeless animals:
In the case of found animals,
the owner usually covers the treatment costs.
If he cannot be found, the responsible municipality will cover the costs.
However, only if you reported the discovery to the police or local authority before treatment.
However, the municipality does not cover the costs for homeless animals
such as wild animals or stray dogs.
In this case, it is best to contact the local animal protection association or the nearest wild animal rescue center.
Injured animal found – where should you call?
If you find an injured pet, your best bet is to call your veterinarian or regional veterinary emergency service.
This also applies if you have discovered injured small wild animals such as hedgehogs, squirrels or birds.
However, larger wild animals usually fall under hunting law; you must inform the responsible hunter, hunting manager or forester.
If you don't know how to reach them or find an animal outside normal working hours, contact the police.
It is important: Do not transport the animal yourself, as this would be considered poaching.