List of fatal dog attacks in Austria

Fatal or nearly fatal dog attacks in Austria have led to tightening of existing laws on keeping dogs in some of the nine provinces. The keeping of dogs in general, certain dog types or breeds, and "dogs with increased risk potential" is regulated differently from province to province. For example, Vienna prohibits protection dog training and other comparable training that involves attack behavior directed against humans. The provinces Vienna, Lower Austria and Vorarlberg have breed-specific legislation, as of 2023.

This is a list of human deaths caused by dogs reported by the news media, published in scholarly papers, or mentioned through other sources. In the lists below, the dog type or breed is assigned by the sources. For more information on causes of death and studies related to dog bite-related fatalities, see Fatal dog attacks.

Fatalities due to rabies
Austria has been considered rabies-free since 2008. The last imported case of rabies occurred in 2004. A man was bitten by an infected dog in Morocco and died later in Austria. Worldwide, around 60,000 people die every year from rabies transmitted by dogs. If a person is injured by a dog suspected of being rabid, the local authority must be informed. In Austria, precautionary measures against the import of rabies are still in force. When entering Austria, dogs must be able to present a valid vaccination and, depending on the country of entry, an additional serological rabies test. Puppies may only be imported into Austria from the age of 16 weeks, as this type of vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks and the time until the vaccination becomes effective is 21 days. With a permit from the authorities, it is possible to import future assistance dogs, for example, at an earlier age if there is sufficient justification. There is also an exception for future federal service dogs.

Legal situation in Austria
Fatal dog attacks can be classified as accidents, negligent homicides (Strafgesetzbuch § 80) or grossly negligent homicides (Strafgesetzbuch § 81), depending on the circumstances.

In cases of dog attacks that result in life-threatening injury to humans, Austrian authorities can seize the dog and order its euthanasia. If a dog has shown aggressive behavior, authorities typically initiate a character test (Wesenstest) to assess the dog. If the dog is classified as dangerous, it will likely be required to wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash. Euthanasia after a dog bite is extremely rare and only occurs if the dog poses a danger to the public. In 2018 the Rottweiler "Joey" broke away from its intoxicated owner and attacked a one-year-old boy who was walking on the other side of the street. The boy was seriously injured and died 18 days later in hospital. The dog was placed in an animal shelter, where they refused to euthanize a healthy animal and attempted to resocialize him. However, after the dog attacked the shelter staff, they decided to euthanize him after all.

Law changes after incidents
Vienna 2018: Following the death of a 17-month-old boy named Waris, who was attacked while taking a walk with his grandparents and later died in hospital, the law was changed in the same year. The owner of the Rottweiler was intoxicated while walking the dog. On October 10, 2018, the then city councillor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) presented the 11th amendment to the Vienna Animal Wellfare Act together with the Chief of Police Gerhard Pürstl. On November 29, 2018, the amendment to the Vienna Animal Wellfare Act was passed.

The following amendments were adopted (selection):


 * The enforcement of a ban on keeping animals was made easier. For example, it is now possible to issue a ban on keeping animals to a person who has disregarded the muzzle or leash requirement and whose dog has injured a person or an animal. Once a ban has been issued, this person may no longer live in the same household as the animal. This is to prevent animals from being passed on to family members.


 * A certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis) must be obtained before acquiring a new dog (from July 1, 2019).


 * The requirements for obtaining a certificate of competence were extended (for example, no convictions for cruelty to animals are allowed).


 * A muzzle and leash requirement was introduced in public places for certain breeds and dog types (from the age of 6 months). Exemption permits can be issued.
 * Persons who are under the influence of alcohol (from 0.5 per mille) or narcotics are not allowed to lead certain breeds and dog types in public places. Public security officers have been authorized to test the breath of persons who are walking a certain dog in public places for alcohol content.


 * The authorities must require dogs that have shown aggression to pass a test. To be able to take this test, ten training sessions with an animal welfare-qualified dog trainer must be presented.


 * The practical part of the required test has been extended.


 * The license for certain breeds and dog types (Mandatory Vienna Dog License ) has been limited in time (one mandatory repetition of the test after 21 to 24 months). This mandatory dog license is necessary for the dog owner as well as for every person that handles the dog. The test must be done individually for each dog and each dog receives an individual dog card which has information like the microchip data on it. The dog handler must always carry the dog license and the dog card(s) as well as an identity card and present them during checks.
 * In the event of serious bodily injury or death, the dog must be removed by authorities.
 * In the event of a person being killed, the dog must be painlessly put down by law, unless the person bitten was at least grossly negligent in exposing themselves to the danger from the dog.
 * Every dog owner must take out and maintain liability insurance for a sum of at least € 725,000.

Salzburg 2013: On May 6, 2011, a four-year-old girl named Mia from Wals-Siezenheim was attacked and seriously injured by a Rottweiler that jumped over the fence into the family's garden. This incident was the trigger for an amendment to the Salzburg Provincial Safety Act. A registration requirement for dog owners was introduced, which stipulates a certificate of competence and mandatory liability insurance with a minimum cover amount. The amendment to the Salzburg Provincial Safety Act came into force in 2013.

Lower Austria 2009: There were several serious incidents involving dogs in the federal state of Lower Austria in 2009. For example, on September 2, a 3-year-old girl named Chiara was attacked and seriously injured by three Pit Bull Terriers in Rohrbach an der Gölsen and on November 13, a one-year-old girl named Hannah was killed by a Rottweiler. At the time, it was not legally possible to seize animals that endangered or injured people. These incidents put politicians under pressure to act. In response to these and other incidents, the Lower Austrian Dog Law (NÖ Hundehaltegesetz) was drawn up, which was passed in the provincial parliament session on November 19 and came into force on January 1, 2010. In addition to the general regulations on safe keeping and handling of dogs, further regulations were introduced for "dogs with increased risk potential and dogs with attack history".

Further amendments:


 * The confiscation of a dog in the interests of public safety was enabled.
 * The imposition of a ban on keeping dogs was enabled.
 * Introduction of an obligation to register dog ownership with the municipality.
 * Every dog owner must take out and maintain liability insurance.
 * Introduction of proof of the necessary expertise in dog ownership (certificate of competence).
 * The following dog types have been defined as dogs with increased risk potential: American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bandog, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and crossbreeds of these dog types. It was planned to adapt this list by ordinance.
 * No more than 2 dogs with an attack history or dogs with increased risk potential may be kept in one home.

Legislation
Some federal states have created separate dog laws, others included the regulations on keeping dogs in their federal state security laws or police laws.

Overview of federal laws and ordinances on the keeping of dogs, dangerous dogs and dogs with increased risk potential (as of January 2024):

Note on legal topics: Legal disclaimer