Originally published in 2022. This article is retained for historical reference. For the current framework, consult our animal law guides and 2026 briefing.
Exceptional permits Düsseldorf Administrative Court, Judgment of 06.05.2021 – 28 K 4055/20 –
The district is not obliged to grant a shepherd from a small village a permit to take a female wolf into another. This was the decision of the Administrative Court of Düsseldorf, which dismissed the shepherd’s complaint.
A shepherd living in a German region filed a lawsuit against the district in July 2020. He wants the district to be obliged to grant the special permit under the BNatSchG required for the shooting of a female wolf in his area: in athor words, killing of protected animal species prohibited under the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
The court explained the reasons for its decision: In principle, the killing or other removal of wolves belonging to specially protected animal species is prohibited under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). The granting of an exemption from the ban requires that the shepherd is threatened with serious economic damage by the wolf and that there are no reasonable alternatives to the removal of the animal. No serious economic damages from a possibla attack could be proven by the man.
So, case is closed.
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Practical supplement added 13 November 2026. The original article above retains its historical context. The following scenarios are hypothetical and are not additional findings of the court or events reported in that article.
Legal assessment and practical approach
Wildlife disputes require assessment of protection status, competence and the actual risk. General policy debate does not determine the legality of an individual measure. Establish current legal grounds and required official decisions before intervention.
Four practical examples
These are hypothetical scenarios illustrating issues to assess. They do not describe actual client matters or promise a particular outcome.
Practical example 1
A livestock keeper reports a suspected wolf attack. Record findings, tracks and protective measures promptly. Species identification and eligibility for support depend on the applicable requirements.
Practical example 2
An authority orders a wildlife-related measure. Review competence, factual basis and proportionality. Affected parties should retain complete records and observe challenge deadlines.
Practical example 3
A business plans protection for grazing animals. Consider land use, neighbours and practical suitability. Funding does not automatically replace other necessary permissions.
Practical example 4
Social media attributes an incident to a particular business. Separate established facts from assumptions. Reliable records can support dealings with authorities and assessment of inaccurate publications.
Prepare the relevant evidence
Provide complete documents and a concise chronology. Distinguish your observations from statements by others and unresolved questions. Include attachments, evidence of service and deadlines with official notices and correspondence. Preserve original files, images and message histories unchanged; an organised working copy assists review.