Állatkár

Állatkár is a Hungarian term used to describe damage or loss caused by animals. In legal and insurance contexts, állatkár covers harm to persons, property, crops, livestock, and the environment resulting from domestic animals, farm animals, or wildlife. Examples include a dog bite injuring a person, livestock trampling crops, or wildlife damaging a field fence.

Damages under állatkár can take many forms, from physical injury to property destruction and agricultural losses. The term is commonly applied in urban as well as rural settings, where the movement and behavior of animals can lead to various kinds of harm.

Liability and remedies are a central aspect of állatkár. In Hungarian civil law, the owner or keeper of an animal is typically responsible for damages caused by their animal. The liability framework often emphasizes accountability for preventable harm, though defenses or reductions may be available if the owner can show proper containment, if the victim provoked the animal, or if the damage arose from circumstances beyond the owner’s control. Claims may be pursued through civil litigation or settlement with insurers.

Insurance and prevention play key roles in managing állatkár. Many households hold liability insurance that covers animal-caused damages, sometimes as part of general home or vehicle insurance. For farmers and businesses, specialized coverage may exist for livestock and farm-related losses. Prevention measures—such as secure housing, fencing, leashing or tethering of animals, vaccination, and proper training—are primary strategies to reduce the risk of állatkár.

Etymology and usage: állat means animal, and kár means damage. The term appears in legal, agricultural, and insurance discourse in Hungary to describe damages attributed to animals.