Austria: Sheep 'armor' designed to deter wolves sparks controversy

An inventor in Austria has sparked controversy by developing a plastic protective ‘armor’ for sheep named Ananas, designed to deter wolf attacks. Created by Rudolf Schaubach, the device resembles a plastic chainmail covering much of the animal's body with protrusions spaced approximately 3.5 centimeters apart. Schaubach believes the design will prevent wolves from biting and injuring the sheep, as the spacing is intended to interfere with a wolf's four-centimeter canines.

To prove the invention's efficacy, Schaubach proposed a test where a sheep wearing the gear would be confronted by a wolf or jackal. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from the agricultural community in Carinthia. Livestock breeder Thomas Koch questioned both the effectiveness and suitability of the device, arguing that a hungry wolf could bypass such measures. Additionally, the Chamber of Agriculture of Carinthia expressed concerns, with livestock director Johann Burgstaller stating that the protective gear negatively impacts the sheep's welfare and overall condition.