Trial over run-over dog: Prosecutor fights against acquittal!

Trial over run-over dog: Prosecutor fights against acquittal!

The courts in Traunstein are currently dealing with a traffic accident with tragic consequences. In May 2024, a wire-haired dachshund was run over in Breitbrunn, which led to a long legal dispute. On October 9, 2025, a 75-year-old driver was charged after the public prosecutor's office appealed against the Rosenheim court's acquittal. These legal actions raise questions about both animal welfare legislation and the responsibility of animal owners.

The dog owner was out with his dogs at the time of the incident when the defendant came towards him on a curve at excessive speed. According to the victim's statements, she tried to warn the driver, but she did not react and ran over the dachshund, which died as a result of the impact. “There was a bang and the car didn’t stop,” said several witnesses. The defending side intends to have an accident report prepared, while the prosecution is demanding a physical report to clarify the defendant's fitness to drive.

Animal welfare and legal implications

In this context, the Animal Protection Act plays a central role. It protects animals as fellow creatures and prohibits the infliction of avoidable pain and suffering without reasonable cause. Injuries to animals can be punished not only according to the Animal Protection Act, but also as damage to property. Therefore, the charges of killing animals and damaging property are justified and could have far-reaching consequences for the defendant. As the reporting by chiemgau24.de recognizes, the result of the accident analysis judgment could be decisive for the outcome be the calling.

But there is a need for action in animal protection not only on the road safety side. In March 2025, hunters intervened in another case in which poaching dachshunds had to be caught. District tenants worked with a forester to capture the emaciated and neglected animals alive. These dachshunds were in a deplorable condition, but were not to blame. One dachshund was even chipped, which led to the identification of its 80-year-old owner. The owner expressed concern that the dachshunds only escaped for a few hours.

Responsibility of the animal owners

The case also raises questions about the responsibility of animal owners, particularly in relation to the Animal Welfare Act, which sets out clear guidelines for the treatment of animals. This is supported by pirsch.de, where the adoption of the animals by the veterinary authority without objection from the owner is discussed. The captured dachshunds, a mother-daughter team, were taken to the animal shelter where they will be given a new home. This shows that solutions can also be found for animals in need and that animal protection organizations such as the German Teckel Club provide support.

Current cases, such as the dachshund that was run over in Breitbrunn and the rescued dachshunds, make it clear that more sensitivity and legal regulations in animal protection are necessary in order to both protect animals and assign responsibility to people. The Animal Welfare Act may need to be revised to address abuses and ensure that animals are viewed as vulnerable creatures. The discussion about a collective action in animal protection is more topical than ever and is being promoted by tierschutzbund.de.