Goat attacks visitor in petting zoo – 31,000 euros dispute in court!

Goat attacks visitor in petting zoo – 31,000 euros dispute in court!

A strange goat attack in the petting zoo of a bird park in Marlow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is causing legal complications and excitement. A 63-year-old woman from Saxony-Anhalt was pushed to the ground by a goat while visiting her family. The incident occurred in the summer of 2023 and now has financial consequences that must be heard in courtrooms.

The visitors' wounds are not just of a physical nature: the medical treatment costs amount to over 30,000 euros, which the health insurance company Salus BKK is demanding back from the operator of the petting zoo. According to a report by the Haufe The indictment should also cover possible future expenses and sick pay, as the injured party required knee surgery and was on sick leave for a year.

During the incident, the woman noticed a sudden blow to the back of her knee, which caused her to fall and consequently resulted in serious injuries. The operator of the bird park, however, denies that a billy goat was to blame for the incident. The park's zoological director clarified that only female African dwarf goats, which are known for their friendly behavior, are kept at the facility. These goats reportedly have access to hay at all times and are particularly interested in the pellet feed that visitors can purchase.

The legal dispute and the different perspectives

The ongoing trial addresses the fact that there were no attacks by dwarf goats in this zoo even after the incident, which underlines the operator's defense. While the health insurance company cites aggressive behavior on the part of the goats as the reason for the lawsuit, there are contradictory statements from witnesses. A witness even claims to have observed a targeted attack by the goat on the injured party, while the woman's son-in-law saw it differently. He simply described the goats as a group running in one direction and they were unfortunately in the way.

Confusion over the gender of the goats may also have contributed to the dispute, as it is unclear whether goats with horns may also be among the animals kept. The Stralsund Regional Court has left the question of animal owner liability open in accordance with Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) and will announce a decision on December 23, 2025.

Overall, it is clear that this incident not only affects the safety precautions in zoos, but also calls into question the responsibility of animal owners in legal matters. If a ruling is made, it will potentially have far-reaching consequences for similar institutions. The main question remains: Even if aggressive behavior is rare, are the goats still adequately protected from the dangers and challenges of direct contact with visitors?