Man who damaged Porsche to escape dogs not liable for damage: Munich court

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MUNICH: A Munich district court has ruled that a delivery driver is not liable for damages caused to a luxury vehicle while attempting to escape from several dogs. 

The incident occurred in September 2024 in Freising when two Dalmatians and a crossbreed ran toward the driver as he arrived at a house for a delivery. Startled by the animals, the man climbed onto the bonnet of a Porsche Cayenne parked outside to seek safety.

The owner of the vehicle sought over 2,700 euros (approximately $3,170) to cover repairs for scratches and dents allegedly caused during the encounter. However, the delivery driver and his employer refused to pay, leading to the legal challenge. 

The court ultimately found in favor of the driver, noting that the evidence provided specifically photographs of the damage appeared to have been taken several months after the event, making it impossible to verify the driver was the cause.

Furthermore, the court emphasized the responsibility of the pet owner, stating that he should have controlled his dogs and anticipated the arrival of a delivery. 

While the owner and a witness claimed the dogs were several meters away and not aggressive, the court determined that the animals' barking and movement toward the man were sufficient to trigger a ‘flight reflex’. Consequently, the driver's actions were seen as a natural response to the owner's failure to manage his pets.