Dog attack victim left with 4,000 euros in medical costs
Tuesday 8th September 2026 on 05:30 in
Austria
An 88-year-old woman from Gmunden has been seriously injured in a dog attack and is facing 4,000 euros in medical expenses after learning that the dog owner had no liability insurance, ORF reported. Such insurance is mandatory in Upper Austria.
Margareta Enser-de Groot was knocked to the ground and badly injured in the leg. Complications and an inflammation led to additional private treatment costs. Because the dog owner did not have valid liability insurance, the retired woman has been left to cover part of the bill herself.
“I am left with 4,000 euros in medical costs because of this dog law, because nobody feels responsible,” Enser-de Groot said. She added that she was entitled to substantial compensation because she had been in danger of dying from blood poisoning and had suffered severe pain.
Insurance checked only when dogs are registered
Enser-de Groot criticised what she sees as inadequate checks. In Upper Austria, dog liability insurance is generally compulsory, but it is checked only once, when the dog is registered.
The municipality of Gmunden confirmed to ORF that proceedings had been opened in the case and were still pending. Until proof of valid liability insurance is provided, the owner is not allowed to keep a dog.
State plans review of dog law
Martin Winkler, the Social Democratic Party’s state councillor responsible for animal protection, said the suggestions would be considered as part of a possible legal amendment.
“The evaluation of the Upper Austrian Dog-Keeping Act will begin at the end of the year. Once this evaluation project has been completed, any further steps that may be necessary will also be taken,” Winkler said in a written statement.
Enser-de Groot said she hoped other people would be better protected in future. She described suffering trauma, anxiety attacks and sleep problems since the attack. She said she becomes frightened when a dog comes near her, and even when people approach her, because she fears being knocked down again.
There are currently no official figures on how many dog owners are keeping dogs without valid liability insurance.