Collar for farm animals and dogs to ward off predators

Abstract

Collar (1) for farm animals and dogs for defense against predators comprising a fully enclosed band (2) made of a flat material for placement on the neck of a farm animal or dog, with at least one retaining section (4) for receiving a container filled with a predator repellent, wherein the retaining section (4) and the container are designed to be bitten through by a predator so that the repellent can escape from the container.

Description

[0001] The invention comprises a collar for farm animals and dogs to ward off predators.

[0002] The invention lies in the technical field of protective equipment for farm animals and dogs to ward off predators that kill with thrush bites.

[0003] Every year, predators kill countless livestock, causing significant damage to farmers. So-called predators, such as wolves, bears, lynx, and golden jackals, kill livestock with a targeted thrush bite. An adult wolf requires three to four kilograms of meat per day. In 2022 / 23, Saxony was home to 38 wolf packs, four pairs, and two territorial individuals. Brandenburg, with 49 wolf packs, has the most wolves in Germany. It is almost certain that the wolf population will increase. To protect sheep and goats from "the wolf," farmers are recommended to use a combination of three elements: shepherds, electric fences, and livestock guardian dogs.

[0004] In Germany, almost all federal states with established wolf populations provide government subsidies for livestock protection. Electric fences approximately 1.2 meters high and, depending on the individual case, herding dogs are recommended. A good €16.6 million was spent nationwide on this in 2021, according to the report. In addition, authorities paid almost half a million euros in compensation to livestock owners in 2021.

[0005] A type of electric fence in the form of a collar is available, for example, as a defense collar for sheep. The collar is connected to a battery that has a storage capacity of several months. If a wolf bites the throat, the collar delivers a powerful electric shock. The basic function of the defense collar is based on the behavior and learning ability of predators that kill with thrush bites. The pressure of the thrush bite triggers an electric shock in the defense band; the voltage is comparable to that of an electric fence. This impulse causes the attacker to let go of the pet or farm animal. The wolf is supposed to "learn" from this electric shock, making further attacks on grazing animals unlikely.

[0006] The disadvantage is the limited storage capacity of the battery, so it has to be replaced or recharged after a certain period of time.

[0007] But even dogs aren't safe from wolves. A well-known protective collar for dogs features sharp, serrated ribs made of high-performance plastic on the outside, which can withstand even the bite force of a wolf. The inner plastic insert distributes the biting pressure of the teeth over as large an area as possible, and the sharp, serrated ribs ensure that any attacker immediately feels a painful reluctance to bite. While this collar won't make a small dachshund or terrier a serious threat to a wolf, it will certainly be better protected. The disadvantage of this protective collar is that it doesn't provide an active defense mechanism against predators.

[0008] A wolf can no longer strangle a medium-sized or large dog with a throat bite in a few seconds, as is usual. This significantly increases the chances of survival for this loyal hunting companion and gives the handler sufficient time to rush to his dog's aid.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective alternative with a good repellent effect, which is easy to refill and is well accepted by farm animals.

[0010] The collar according to the invention is defined by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous aspects form the subject matter of the respective subclaims.

[0011] The invention comprises a collar for livestock and dogs to ward off predators, comprising a circumferentially closed band made of a flat material for placement on the neck of a livestock or dog, with at least one holding portion for receiving a container filled with a predator repellent. The holding portion and the container are designed to be bitten through by a predator, allowing the repellent to escape from the container. This makes it possible to provide a collar for livestock and dogs with an active predator repellent mechanism that does not restrict the natural behavior of the livestock and dogs.

[0012] An advantageous technical aspect provides for the holding section to be made of a flexible textile fiber and to have a thickness in the range of 0.5 - 3.5 mm, preferably in the range of 1 - 3 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 2 - 2.5 mm. This allows for a secure hold of the container and, on the other hand, allows the holding section to be bitten through by the biting force of the predator during an attack.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the container is made of metal. This allows the repellent to be safely transported to the livestock until an attack occurs, without harming the livestock.

[0014] It has proven advantageous if the repellent in the container contains a natural chili extract OC (oleoresin capsicum) or an irritant gas. Such repellents have already proven effective against predator attacks.

[0015] In a preferred aspect, the container is a conventional defense spray. Thus, the container can be procured easily and inexpensively.

[0016] Advantageously, the holding section is arranged transversely to the circumferential direction and / or in the circumferential direction of the belt. This prevents the container from falling out of the holding section when the farm animal moves in its natural habitat.

[0017] According to an advantageous aspect, between one and eight holding sections, preferably between two and six holding sections, and particularly preferably between three and five holding sections are arranged along the strap. This allows the collar to be adjusted accordingly depending on the neck circumference of the farm animal species.

[0018] It is advantageous if the holding section comprises at least one casing that at least partially surrounds the container filled with a predator repellent. This allows the container to be easily inserted into the holding section.

[0019] An advantageous technical aspect provides that the holding section has a height in a range of 5-15 cm, preferably in a range of 8-12 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 9-11 cm, and a diameter in a range of 1.5-10 cm, preferably in a range of 2-7.5 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 2.5-5 cm. This allows containers of different sizes to be used in the collar to ward off predators.

[0020] It has proven advantageous if the height of the strap is in a range of 5-20 cm, preferably in a range of 6-15 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 8-10 cm, and the length of the strap is in a range of 20-60 cm, preferably in a range of 25-55 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 30-40 cm. This allows for species-appropriate use of the collar for various farm animals.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a collar according to the invention arranged on the neck of a dog; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a collar according to the invention in an embodiment with a closure in the open state.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a collar 1 according to the invention for livestock and dogs for predator defense, comprising a circumferentially closed band 2 made of a flat material for placement on the neck of a livestock or dog, with at least one holding section 4 for receiving a container filled with a predator repellent. The holding section 4 and the container are designed to be bitten through by a predator, allowing the repellent to escape from the container. A wolf with a body weight of 35 kg has a bite force of approximately 593 N / cm. 2

[0024] The holding section 4 is made of a flexible textile fiber and has a thickness in a range of 0.5 - 3.5 mm, preferably in a range of 1 - 3 mm, particularly preferably in a range of 2 - 2.5 mm. For example, the holding section 4 is made of a mesh fabric (net material).

[0025] The holding section 4 is arranged transversely to the circumferential direction and / or in the circumferential direction of the band 2. The holding section 4 comprises at least one casing which at least partially surrounds the container filled with a predator repellent. The holding section 4 has a height in a range of 5 - 15 cm, preferably in a range of 8 - 12 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 9 - 11 cm and a diameter in a range of 1.5 - 10 cm, preferably in a range of 2 - 7.5 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 2.5 - 5 cm. Between one and eight holding sections 4, preferably between two and six holding sections 4, particularly preferably between three and five holding sections 4 are arranged along the band 2.

[0026] The container is a metal container. The repellent contained within the container consists of a natural chili extract OC (oleoresin capsicum) or an irritant gas. The irritant gas, for example, is orthochlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS). The container is a conventional repellent spray.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a collar 1 according to the invention in an embodiment with a first closure 3 for connecting a first end portion of the band 2 to a second end portion of the band 2. The first closure 3 is, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener and / or a zipper and / or a button fastener and / or a buckle fastener and / or a loop fastener and / or a magnetic fastener.

[0028] It is conceivable that the band 2 further comprises a second closure 5 for closing the holding section 4. This allows the container to be held in the holding section 4 without falling out.

[0029] The height of the band 2 is in a range of 5 - 20 cm, preferably in a range of 6 - 15 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 8 - 10 cm and the length of the band 2 is in a range of 20 - 60 cm, preferably in a range of 25 - 55 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 30 - 40 cm.

[0030] For example, the strap 2 is made of a bite- and / or impact-resistant fabric. For even better protection of the livestock or dog, a metal layer can be arranged within the strap 2. It is also conceivable to make the strap from an elastic material so that the strap 2 can be easily pulled over the head of the livestock. For better visibility, a section of reflective material can be arranged on the collar 1.

Claims

[1] Collar (1) for farm animals and dogs for warding off predators, comprising a circumferentially closed band (2) made of a flat material for arranging on the neck of a farm animal or dog, with at least one holding section (4) for receiving a container filled with a repellent for predators, wherein the holding section (4) and the container are designed to be bitten through by a predator so that the repellent can escape from the container. [2] Collar (1) according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion (4) is made of a flexible textile fiber and has a thickness in a range of 0.5 - 3.5mm, preferably in a range of 1 - 3mm, particularly preferably in a range of 2 - 2.5mm. [3] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a metal container. [4] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the repellent in the container comprises a natural chili extract OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) or an irritant gas. [5] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a conventional repellent spray. [6] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding section (4) is arranged transversely to the circumferential direction and / or in the circumferential direction of the band (2). [7] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between one and eight holding sections (4), preferably between two and six holding sections (4), particularly preferably between three and five holding sections (4) are arranged along the band (2). [8] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding section (4) comprises at least one casing which at least partially surrounds the container filled with a repellent for predators. [9] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding section (4) has a height in a range of 5 - 15 cm, preferably in a range of 8 - 12 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 9 - 11 cm and a diameter in a range of 1.5 - 10 cm, preferably in a range of 2 - 7.5 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 2.5 - 5 cm. [10] Collar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the band (2) is in a range of 5 - 20 cm, preferably in a range of 6 - 15 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 8 - 10 cm and the length of the band (2) is in a range of 20 - 60 cm, preferably in a range of 25 - 55 cm, particularly preferably in a range of 30 - 40 cm.

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