Styrian mountain rescuers tackle more animal emergencies

Styrian mountain rescue teams are increasingly being called to help animals, including dogs and cattle, ORF reports. The state of Styria has awarded the Tragöß mountain rescue team its animal welfare prize for a system designed to rescue large animals.

The teams assist animals about 20 times a year. They are called when a dog accompanying hikers is injured, for example by a snake bite or a fall, or becomes stranded off a trail. Experienced dog handlers take charge of the animals.

Rescuing cattle, which can weigh 500 kilograms or more, requires a different approach from the techniques used to rescue people. The Tragöß team developed a system of pulleys and supports to lift cattle gently out of holes in the ground. Rescuers from the Stainach team are also learning from the method.

“You need to know how to behave and show a little authority,” said Hannes Machherndl of the Stainach mountain rescue team. “And with treats, anything is possible.”

The award comes as World Animal Day falls on Sunday.