Aim of the study was to collect information about the extent of the gunshot as stunning method for cattle kept at pasture in Germany. Ministries of all federal states were asked to send questionnaires to county veterinary authorities. 59.8 % of the 420 German counties provided information. Altogether, the gunshot was authorised for 920 animals (367 as an exceptional permission for 178 farms, 553 as permanent permission for 124 farms). Furthermore, 10 farmers using gunshots were interviewed. All farmers kept beef-suckler cows at pasture year-round. 19 cattle were shot per farm
