Walkers injured by wild boar launch legal action against hunters in south-west France
Couple needed surgery after boar being chased by hunting dogs attacked them
The local hunting federation denies responsibility for the incident
Rudmer Zwerver / Shutterstock
A young couple who were attacked and badly injured by a wild boar during a walk have lodged a complaint with the local hunting federation, claiming it did not follow regulations.
The walkers say they were attacked by a distressed boar that was being chased by a pack of hunting dogs on Saturday (January 25) near Millau (Aveyron).
The boar, weighing between 50 and 60 kgs, crashed into the couple and charged them twice in quick succession.
The woman, 22, suffered injuries to her arms and legs, and the man, 24, had his femoral artery punctured by the boar leading to a 6cm deep wound. They hid behind a nearby wall to escape further injuries.
Both needed surgery at the nearby Millau hospital after being evacuated by emergency services from the scene.
“The boar’s mouth was already bleeding,” when it came into contact with the couple, the man said to local media Midi Libre (paywall article).
“It had been attacked by a hunting dog…When the wild boar attacked us, 20 seconds later, the hunting dogs were already there and the hunters arrived with their rifles at the ready,” he added.
Alongside the physical injuries, the couple say they face psychological trauma from the incident.
“It’s difficult for us, especially at night,” the man said
The couple filed separate complaints with the local gendarmerie on Tuesday (January 28).
‘In no way a hunting accident’
The local hunting federation had declared a hunt for wild boar for that date and time, however it was for the Liquisses commune, around 11 kilometres away from where the accident took place.
The hunters were in the area because they had “gone to get their dogs back,” after the chase, said president of the local hunting federation Pierre Authier..
This is permitted under hunting regulations, and while the dogs “may have brought the animal to these people… [the hunters] went to rescue the couple,” after the incident.
“In no way is this a hunting accident,” he said.
You can find tips on how to stay safe when outside during hunting season in our articles below.
Read more: How to keep hunters out of your garden in France
Read more: Hunting season set to open in France: key information and calendar
A rumour last year circulated on social media that walkers were going to have to begin wearing hi-vis jackets during hunting season to avoid potential accidents.
This is not the case, however, and no such law is planned.
Read more: Do walkers have to wear hi-vis during hunting season in France?
