Wolf troubles in Hanover and Burgdorf regions remain a ongoing concern, particularly related to the notorious wolf "GW950m." Over the past year, "GW950m" has left at least 60 cattle carcasses between Lüchow-Dannenberg and Burgdorf, causing headaches for farmers and even snatching Ursula von der Leyen's beloved pony "Dolly" back in 2022. However, as 2023 rolled on, the predator appeared to display decreased activity on local farmlands.
The Hanover administrative court recognized the current data lacked sufficient evidence to predict "GW950m's" attacks on livestock as a regular occurrence. The court cited the last known incident attributed to the wolf occurring in January 2023 and a single report of an event in October 2022 as the basis for this conclusion. As a result, they provisionally suspended the shooting permit for "GW950m" in October.
Regional President Steffen Krach (SPD) remarked, "This court ruling underscores the necessity of updating the wolves culling techniques' legality." The culling permit, valid until February 28, 2024, is no longer required thanks to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority's decision to withdraw it. President Krach expressed Hanover's intent to seek more effective methods for handling wolves in individual cases while advocating for regional population management.
The Conference of Environment Ministers recently approved regulations that authorize shooting wolves in areas heavily impacted by frequent wolf attacks. If a wolf breaches protective fences in these regions and kills livestock, a shooting permit can be issued. The permit remains valid for 21 days following the wolf attack, enabling the removal of animals within a 1,000-meter radius of the affected pasture.
Additional Insight: Germany's wolf management is influenced by both the EU's Habitats Directive and Lower Saxony's Hunting Act. The EU directive classifies wolves as "strictly protected" species, requiring careful analysis of any activities that may impact them. Germany's Lower Saxony Hunting Act, currently being revised, faces criticisms for decreasing animal welfare standards, including authorizing wild cat hunting under specific circumstances. Although these regulations do not provide a comprehensive solution, compensation for damages to farmers is common practice in Germany.
In conclusion, while guidelines and conservation efforts are in place, the specific regulations for managing wolf attacks on livestock in Hanover, Germany, are yet to be clearly defined. The EU Habitats Directive provides a framework for wolf protection, and any local regulations must comply with these standards. The Lower Saxony Hunting Act, however, does not fully address wolf management and livestock protection, and the debate about its impact on animal welfare persists.
