German hikers injured by herd protection dogs in Swiss Alps

Two young German hikers, aged 21 and 22, were walking in the Val Sumvitg area of Graubünden, Switzerland, when they encountered two herd‑protection dogs guarding a sheep flock. A conflict ensued; one hiker slipped about ten metres down a steep slope and both sustained minor injuries. The cantonal police called the REGA air‑rescue service and a helicopter from the Swiss Alpine Club, which flew the pair to the hospital in Ilanz for treatment.

Authorities are reviewing the incident together with the cantonal food‑safety and animal‑health offices. Herd‑protection dogs are deployed to defend livestock from wolves, but experts warn that they can react aggressively to fast‑moving hikers, sunglasses or trekking poles. The episode underscores the need for mountain visitors to keep calm, give the dogs space and follow recommended safety guidelines when encountering them.