Downgrade in Wolf Protection Raises Controversy in EU
European legislative assembly endorses increased wolf culling
The European Parliament has opted to shift the status of wolves in the EU from "strictly protected" to "protected" under the EU Habitats Directive. This shift permits more flexibility in managing wolf populations, especially when they pose a threat to livestock. Local authorities can now implement control measures such as culling [1][2][3].
Response to the Change
Governments and Farmers
The move has been welcomed by certain government officials and farmers. For instance, the Dutch junior farm minister Jean Rummenie hailed the decision as "good news," believing it enables quicker intervention against troublesome wolves [3]. However, environmental groups argue that many wolf attacks on livestock occur due to inadequate security measures enforced by farmers [3].
Conservationists and Scientists
Conservationists and scientists have denounced the decision, viewing it as a political maneuver disregarding scientific evidence and risking successful conservation endeavors [2][3]. They contend that the change weakens nature-based policymaking and potentially sets a hazardous precedent for future environmental policy decisions [2]. There are growing concerns that this decision may pave the way for further erosion of nature laws in the EU [2].
Public Opinion
Public opinion is divided, with some supporting the decision due to perceived threats from wolves, while others emphasize the significance of conservation and wolves' role within ecosystems [3][4]. Animal rights organizations have promised legal action against measures enabling wolf killings, such as the approval for hunting a wolf in Gelderland province following an attack on a jogger [3].
Recent Incident
The topic of wolves remains emotionally charged, with reports of livestock—sheep and cattle—being killed on the rise, causing significant issues for pastoral farmers. Measures designed to safeguard herds from wolves increasingly prove inadequate, even amid reports of wolves entering stables [3][4].
Notable Incident
In September 2022, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced a personal loss when a grey wolf from Hanover, in her home region of Burgdorf-Beinhorn, Lower Saxony, killed her 30-year-old pony Dolly [4].
Sources:
- ntv.de
- br.de
- dw.com
- tagesschau.de
- The European Parliament's shift in community policy regarding wolves is a directive aimed at protected status, causing controversy among conservationists and scientists who believe it disregards scientific evidence, risking successful conservation efforts.
- In political news, the decreased protection for wolves could set a dangerous precedent for future environmental policy decisions, potentially leading to further erosion of nature laws in the EU.
- Employment policy decisions have come under scrutiny as local authorities can now implement control measures, such as culling, against wolves, sparking concern among animal rights organizations who threaten legal action against such measures.
- Public opinion regarding the change in wolf protection remains divided, with some supporting the decision due to perceived threats from wolves, while others emphasize the importance of conservation and wolves' role within ecosystems.
- A notable incident in 2022 involved European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who tragically lost her 30-year-old pony Dolly to a grey wolf from Hanover, further fueling the emotional debate surrounding wolf protection and management in the EU.
