NRW strengthens herd protection: Up to 1 million euros for animal owners!

NRW strengthens herd protection: Up to 1 million euros for animal owners!

North Rhine-Westphalia has taken an important step to improve the protection of grazing animals from wolves across the country. In a new initiative, the state government is offering financial support to owners of sheep, goats and game animals who want to take wolf-repellent measures. Loud country.nrw Animal owners can now apply for funding nationwide, which should significantly reduce the financial burden caused by wolves.

Previously the funding was only limited to selected areas, but this scheme has now been extended to the whole country. Environment Minister Oliver Krischer emphasizes how important effective herd protection is for animal owners. The new funding guidelines, which were implemented on December 6, 2021 and which have been administered by the NRW Chamber of Agriculture since January 1, 2022, enable financial support of up to 100% of the costs for investment herd protection measures, such as special fences or the purchase and training of herd protection dogs.

Funding details

Funding of up to one million euros will be available in 2025. This is intended to cover not only the purchase costs for various protective devices, but also compensation for damage that can occur to pets and farm animals as a result of wolf tears. These compensations will continue to be available nationwide, but after a transitional period of one year, compensation will only be paid if basic protection can be provided, explains wolf.nrw.

Sheep and goat farmers are particularly affected by wolf attacks, for whom such measures are essential. Addressing the human-wolf conflict receives much attention in many European countries, as attacks on livestock are often the main source of tension. In areas where wolves exist, herd protection therefore plays a crucial role. These include, among other things, the installation of electrically operated fences, which are particularly effective, and the use of livestock guard dogs.

Practical tips for herd protection

An important consideration is the appropriate height and placement of fences. These should be designed to avoid being undermined by wolves. Recommendations, such as a maximum height of 120 cm for electric fences and a minimum height of 20 cm for the lowest wire strand to prevent undermining, were published in the BfN script “Recommendations for protecting grazing animals and enclosed game from wolves”. Herd protection dogs are also cited as an excellent protective measure for the herds, working both day and night to keep potential attackers away, according to the experts at dbb wolf.

Overall, the initiative shows that herd protection in North Rhine-Westphalia is now better supported in order to take the concerns of animal owners seriously and at the same time ensure nature and animal welfare. If you would like to find out more about the funding guidelines, you can find out more online or contact the NRW Chamber of Agriculture directly.