Loose dog apparently the cause – report filed
In Riedstadt, a pregnant deer was apparently killed by a dog running loose on Monday, April 20, 2026. Passersby discovered the animal in the morning at the edge of a field path near the old sewage treatment plant in the Crumstadt district.
Animal killed by dog bites
According to the local hunting leaseholder, the deer was severely injured by dog bites and ultimately killed. The carcass showed clear signs of an attack. The leaseholder has filed a police report.
Danger to wild animals during the breeding and nesting season
Free-roaming dogs pose a significant danger to wildlife, especially in spring. During the breeding and birthing season, many animals are weakened or busy raising their young. Pregnant deer are often unable to flee for long during chases and are therefore particularly vulnerable.
Leash requirement in open countryside
In Riedstadt, dogs must be kept on a leash in open countryside from March 1st to July 15th. Violations can be punished as administrative offenses. If a wild animal is chased or injured by a dog, additional consequences under nature conservation law may follow.
Killing a wild animal is legally considered poaching and can have legal consequences for the dog owner.
Other protected areas affected
A leash law is also in effect year-round within built-up areas and in protected areas such as the Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue. This also includes Natura 2000 bird protection areas as well as Flora-Fauna-Habitat and nature reserves.
Further information on the protected areas in the Groß-Gerau district is available online:
www.kreisgg.de
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
