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Last-minute rescue: fawn rescuers using drones!
Volunteer animal rights activists in Dessau-Roßlau save 14 fawns from death by mowing with the help of drones in June 2025.
Last-minute rescue: fawn rescuers using drones!
In the emerging world of animal protection work, volunteers from the Rehkitzrettung Dessau association have completed a remarkable second season. Between June 8th and 18th, 2025, 14 fawns were saved from death by mowing as part of a total of eleven missions. This remarkable achievement was supported by the use of drones, which offer a working width of 8 to 12 meters and speeds of up to 30 km/h. As mz.de reports, not only fawns, but also four clutches of pheasants and two young hares were saved during these operations.
The association, under the leadership of Andreas Tietz (1st chairman) and Ronald Henze (2nd chairman), has earned an excellent reputation in society and among farmers. This is also reflected in the fact that farmers proactively inform the association about planned mowing dates so that the valuable animals can be protected in good time. This year, over 350 hectares of meadows were covered, including the “Fohlenweide” and meadows in the Beckerbruch and Rietzmecker Winkel. The association was able to increase its membership from the original 7 to 15, while five people even acquired a drone driving license.
Technology in animal welfare
An important component for the successful rescue of fawns is the use of drones with thermal imaging cameras. According to information from the BMLEH, the use of such technology is supported as part of a funding program. The ministry is funding the purchase of these drones with 2.5 million euros to strengthen animal protection and improve the rescue of wild animals. This measure is already showing initial success, as more and more fawn rescue clubs are taking advantage of drone technology.
The challenge remains, however, that despite the funding, many clubs still have a long way to go in order to use drones across the board. So far, the use has been established, but is not yet widely practiced in all regions of Germany. bmel.de explains that fawns in particular often hide in dense stands of grass, which means they are easily overlooked when mowing. Without suitable technologies, the chances of rescue are often slim. Around a thousand fawns fall victim to mowing every year; This not only poses a danger to the animals, but also to livestock and livestock farming.
A positive outlook: From November 20, 2024, new regulations for the use of drones to rescue wild animals will come into force. Special geographical areas for animal protection have been defined. This means that the use of drones will be further encouraged through tighter regulations and a better understanding of their use.
With the ongoing support and commitment of associations such as the Dessau Deer Fawn Rescue and funding from the Federal Ministry, there is hope that even more fawns can be rescued from the danger zone in the future.