Hunting Law Update: Wolves now Included in Schleswig-Holstein Regulations
The state of Schleswig-Holstein has officially amended its hunting law, incorporating wolves into the legislation. The decision was made after the state parliament approved the necessary changes, as communicated by the Ministry of Agriculture in Kiel.
The amendment addresses the handling of severely injured wolves, as Agriculture Minister Werner Schwarz (CDU) explained. Under the new regulations, hunters can swiftly euthanize an injured wolf, as wildlife protection permits would no longer be necessary if the animal is unable to escape due to its injuries. It's important to note that the wolf's protected status remains intact, as the inclusion in the hunting law is subject to a year-round closed season.
The amendment to the hunting law will offer legal certainty to hunters while not significantly alleviating the burden on livestock farmers. FDP's hunting politician, Oliver Kumbartzky, applauded the move as a crucial step towards effectively managing wolf populations.
However, critiques came from Germany's Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), as the inclusion of wolves in the hunting law does not prevent livestock from being harmed. They emphasized the need for enhanced support for grassland users and further strengthening existing wolf management policies in Schleswig-Holstein.
Inside the Wolf's World
Wolf attacks on livestock are common in wolf-prone areas, putting farmers at a significant risk. To combat this issue, the German government provides financial assistance for the installation of wolf-deterrent electric fences, ensuring total coverage of the costs in designated regions. Additionally, free herd protection consultations are available to farmers across Schleswig-Holstein.
Balancing human interests and wolf conservation is a critical concern, given the potential threats wolves pose to local livestock and human safety. Public perception and acceptance of wolves also plays a significant role in ongoing discussions about wolf management policies.
Though the current measures, such as maintaining electric fences, may not be entirely effective, continuous monitoring and improvement are essential to ensure coexistence with wolves. Interregional coordination in wolf management aims to prevent migration and territorial dynamics, which could further complicate wolf-human relations.
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