Cattle drive

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Danger sign with symbol for cattle drive, for the right edge of the road (Germany)

The cattle drive is the drive of the cattle to the pasture or in the stable. This takes place via drift paths that have been created or dedicated to him . Or in traffic. In Germany, only animals are allowed in road traffic that cannot endanger the traffic and are accompanied by at least one suitable person on foot or horse who can adequately influence them. These are then subject to the general traffic rules and signs; Use a white light at the front and a red light at the back for lighting.

Alpine farming

Cattle drive is a central part of the alpine farming of mountain farmers . Since pasture farming is possible in higher mountain areas in summer, depending on the season, mountain farmers have their cattle housed in appropriate stables on site for this time. In spring, the higher the altitude of the destination, the later, the so-called Almauftrieb , the so-called Almauftrieb , while in autumn the reverse pattern is used, the so-called Almabtrieb . In the central and western Alps, activities between the lower and upper "Senntum" and in complicated alpine conditions between remote Alps are not uncommon. Snowfall in midsummer can also lead to activities in the lower Alps.

As far as possible, loading onto vans is popular these days . At high altitudes with only narrow driveways or footpaths, on the other hand, as in the old days, the herd is led by servants and maids as well as the farmers themselves. Some use herding dogs for support.

Since such driving of cattle on bad roads with the risk of falling rocks, mudslides or even avalanches and thus also the death of humans and animals can be found in numerous regions customs that celebrate the successful return of the shepherds from the mountain regions. Last but not least, such a return also means delivering the valuable products (cheese, bacon) of the summer. Then a hefty reward for the helpers was announced. In particular, the colorful horn decorations made of flowers, green branches and other things on cows that were attached especially for this occasion are one of the best-known manifestations of these celebrations for the return. If human or animal losses were recorded during the drive, this decoration is not usually carried out. Today, traditional decoration is only practiced to a limited extent, not least because the animals are often loaded onto vehicles at an early stage.

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Symbol according to § 39 Abs. 7 of the German road traffic regulations (StVO), here in combination with danger signs according to § 40 StVO as a further danger sign for special danger situations acc. Section 39 (8) of the StVO, traffic signs No. 101-12 (or -22 for left-hand placement) according to Part 2 of the Catalog of Traffic Signs (VzKat), the annex to the General Administrative Regulation on Road Traffic Regulations (VwV-StVO) in the version of May 22, 2017
  2. ↑ § 28 Paragraph 1 StVO . For driving animals wholly or partially unsuitable persons can (to this extent) be withdrawn from road traffic, § 3 Paragraph 2 Driving License Ordinance (FeV)
  3. ↑ § 28 Paragraph 2 StVO