Europe Tests Protective Vests to Shield Hunting Dogs From Wolf Attacks

Europe’s debate over coexistence with the wolf is no longer focused only on population estimates, legal status or management quotas. At the latest plenary meeting of the EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores, held in Brussels on June 5, a very practical tool came into focus: protective vests for hunting dogs.

According to FACE, the meeting brought together the European Commission, conservation organisations, landowners and hunting representatives to exchange experiences on conservation, conflict management and coexistence with large carnivores. The European Commission also reported that the session covered policy developments, damage-prevention measures, agricultural funding and LIFE projects linked to coexistence.

Field trials with hunters in Croatia

The most practical measure highlighted by FACE was the work being carried out with DogTech vests for hunting dogs, tested with support from the LIFE Wild Wolf project. These devices are presented as modular systems that can be adapted to different hunting environments, with field trials developed especially in Croatia.

FACE says the information presented to the platform showed that no fatal wolf attacks on dogs had been recorded while the animals were wearing the vest. The federation also credits Croatian hunters with helping improve the models by providing practical feedback from field use and suggestions to adapt the design to local hunting conditions and habitats.

The LIFE Wild Wolf project had already reported in February that trials were focused on Dalmatia, where around 20 improved models were demonstrated and adjusted across three counties. That update also pointed to a next phase for the 2026/27 season, with plans to distribute about 120 units in Dalmatia and possible replication in other parts of Croatia, Italy and other interested countries.