Police have charged a dog owner after two alpacas were fatally attacked in a Danish nature kindergarten. The incident occurred Saturday morning in Ikast, a town in central Jutland.
A Rottweiler and a Great Dane chased and mauled the two alpacas at Lægdsgård nature kindergarten. Both animals sustained such severe injuries that they had to be euthanized.
Police Chief Anders Bøje Hansen confirmed the charges. "The owner has been charged with violating Denmark's dog law," he said. "The charge states he failed to take precautions to prevent the dogs from causing harm to others."
The specific allegation is that the owner let the dogs roam freely. Police indicate additional charges may follow.
Officers removed both dogs immediately after the attack. Police offered to euthanize the dogs on site, but the owner refused.
Until police complete their investigation, the dogs will remain at an animal shelter. Denmark has strict liability laws for dog owners, particularly regarding attacks on other animals.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between pet owners and livestock keepers in rural Danish communities. Nature kindergartens, where children spend most of their time outdoors, are popular throughout Scandinavia.