Overview

• The Landesdirektion Sachsen approved live capture and relocation as the primary response, with killing allowed only if relocation proves impossible and the authorization running until mid‑March 2026.
• Officials said they currently do not expect any animals will need to be shot, describing lethal removal as a strictly last‑resort option.
• The permit applies to a defined pond group after the operator reported extensive damage, including €190,000 in repairs since 2019 and a June dam breach causing further costs.
• Conservation groups including NABU, BUND, Grüne Liga, and the Naturschutzverband urged the authority to revoke the permit and pursue nonlethal measures, citing evidence that culling does not reduce long‑term damage.
• The decision is framed as a one‑off exception intended to limit economic losses and protect the site’s conservation function, with relocation options reportedly extending to placements in France.