The law protects vertebrate animals from intentional killing without just cause. There are various rescue measures to protect young wild animals, especially fawns. Some regulations, such as the NRW State Nature Conservation Act, recommend mowing large areas from the inside out. Technological solutions, such as optical sensors on the mower or drones with thermal imaging cameras, can be effective. It is also helpful if hunters with dogs comb the fields before mowing or if deterrence measures are used.

A 2005 ruling by the Trier Regional Court confirmed the responsibility of farmers with regard to animal welfare. In this case, a farmer had continued mowing despite a hunter's warning, killing two fawns. The court ruled that the farmer owed the hunter damages equal to the value of the live animals as well as a lump sum for expenses. The hunter had argued that he was entitled not only to the value of the animals' meat, but also their breeding value, since he had intended to keep the animals alive.

Violations of animal welfare laws can result in significant criminal penalties, including fines and suspended sentences of up to one year. It is therefore critical that farmers take all necessary precautions to ensure the protection of wildlife during their farming activities.

There may even be criminal consequences. There have already been convictions of up to one year imprisonment.