Troubles with the infamous wolf "GW950m" in Hanover and Burgdorf regions continue turning heads!
With a track record of leaving at least 60 cattle carcasses between Lüchow-Dannenberg and Burgdorf, "GW950m" became a source of concern, causing trouble for farmers and snatching Ursula von der Leyen's beloved pony "Dolly" back in 2022. However, as 2023 marched forward, the predator seemed to be showing signs of decreased activity on the farmlands.
The Hanover administrative court pointed out that, considering current information, "GW950m"'s attacks on livestock could no longer be predicted as a regular event. This conclusion was based on the last known attack attributed to the wolf dating back to January 2023 and only a single report of an event in October 2022, making it difficult to formulate a reliable damage prognosis with only two incidents in the previous 12 months prior to the derogation's approval.
The court provisionally suspended the shooting permit for "GW950m" back in October.
Regional President Steffen Krach (SPD): "This court ruling highlights the urgent need for updating the legality behind wolf culling techniques."
The culling permit, valid until February 29, 2024, is no longer required thanks to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority's decision to withdraw it, opting for a better approach to regional wolf population management. President Krach emphasized that Hanover, one of the most affected areas by wolf attacks in Lower Saxony, would seek more efficient methods to remove wolves in legitimate single cases, as well as pushing for regional population management.
Recently, the Conference of Environment Ministers approved new regulations to authorize shooting wolves in regions hard hit by frequent wolf kills. According to the new policy, if a wolf breaches protective fences in these areas and kills livestock, a shooting permit can be issued. It would be valid for 21 days following the wolf attack, allowing for the removal of animals within a 1,000-meter radius of the affected pasture.
Additional Insight: The EU's Habitats Directive, to which Germany is a signatory, requires careful examination of every project or plan that may impact protected species, including wolves. Any changes in wolf hunting regulations would need to align with these directives, ensuring minimal disturbance to wolf populations.
In the context of Lower Saxony's Hunting Act, discussions revolve around animal welfare, including the possibility of wild cat hunting under specific conditions. However, the focus is primarily on watering down animal welfare requirements rather than crafting new wolf hunting regulations.
