Tyrol pays nearly 100,000 euros for livestock losses

Tyrol has paid nearly 100,000 euros in compensation for damage caused by large predators so far this year, ORF reports. The total covers claims through early October, compared with 219,000 euros paid last year.

About 69,000 euros of this year’s compensation went to East Tyrol. Payments cover livestock killed or injured, veterinary costs and feed costs when animals have to be brought down from alpine pastures early. Compensation may also be paid for missing animals when a large predator is suspected but cannot be confirmed as the cause.

By early October, 141 livestock animals had gone missing, 481 had been brought down from pastures early because of the presence of large predators, and 22 had needed veterinary treatment, the Tyrolean government said.

Last year, compensation payments reached 219,000 euros, the highest level in recent years. The government spent more on protecting herds: more than 360,000 euros went last year to fencing, GPS trackers and three pilot projects on sheep pastures.