“I hope that Nanouk didn't have to pay for my mistake”
A close relationship of trust had built up between the volunteer walker Sigurd, and Nanouk had built up for months. “For about five months I was traveling with him almost every day for almost every day,” he reports. He regularly gets involved in the shelter to offer the dogs variety and prepare them for a life in a new environment.
“Overall, Nanouk was a calm, friendly dog. We were outdoors – at me in the garden, at home or in warm weather at the lake,” says Sigurd. “After a little practice, he got into the car without any problems, could be touched everywhere and could even” give paws'. ” But Nanouk is dead – and Sigurd sees himself as responsibility.
The incident occurred in early July. “After our usual round in the forest, I brought him to the outlet area,” he says. As usual, there were treats and pats – until Nanouk suddenly bite. “It all went very quickly. After that, he lay down as if nothing had happened. For me it was a misunderstanding between him and me,” explains Sigurd.
Although Nanouk often wore a muzzle during walks, he never showed aggressive behavior. “He was always calm on the leash. There was no classification as dangerous before the bite. “But I was constantly worried that Nanouk would be punished for my mistake.”
And that was exactly what happened: Nanouk was put to sleep because of the bite injury.
Although a home was found – the authorities decidedly different
The authorities' assessment was significantly. “All attempts at mediation have failed,” said the Harz district in a statement. “Several offers could not be implemented for reasons of plausibility, lack of expertise and because of the acute risk situation. Despite two years of work, the dog continued to show aggressive and non -calculable behavior – even difficult to assess for experienced experts.”
Therefore, nanouk should be killed – unless a safe new place to stay is found for him within four days. An almost unsolvable task, but the animal shelter team, volunteers and also Sigurd did not give up. And indeed: a suitable family was found – even a temporary solution was organized.
But then the turn: The sleeping should still take place – because the crucial person in the veterinary office was only available again on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Only then should it be decided whether the proposed solution is permitted. This was the content of a petition that should save Nanouk – it was just four days.
Thousands of people signed within a short time. Sigurd also tried to stand up for Nanouk: “I admitted my mistake and tried to explain the situation in various places,” he says. “But my point of view was not heard. To date, I have not even been asked about the incident by the veterinary office.”
Ultimately, the authorities did not react. On July 11th – just a few days after the incident – Nanouk was put to sleep. His new home was already waiting for him.
“The veterinary office took into account both animal welfare and safety -relevant aspects in the decision,” said the district. However, there was no criticism: a demonstration occurred in Magdeburg. “We ask for prudence. In addition, false information is circulating in social networks. In addition, employees of the veterinary office were insulted or threatened,” the official message said. For this reason, the comment function was also deactivated there.
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