Relaxed Regulations on Wolf Protection in the EU: More Culling Allowed
European Legislative Assembly endorses increased wolf culling
Wolves in the European Union (EU) may soon be shot more freely, following a decision made by the majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg. Despite facing criticism, the European Parliament downgraded the wolf's protection status from "strictly protected" to "protected," a move that still requires approval from EU member states.
The increased rate of livestock attacks by wolves has been causing concern among farmers. This decision aims to provide these communities with more flexibility in managing their wolf populations. However, implementing the reduced protection status in German and other EU laws is not automatic and would require changes to national laws like the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Hunting Act.
Despite the change in protection status, it's important to note that wolves will remain a legally protected species, with the intent to only target problematic wolves for culling. The increased leeway in dealing with difficult wolf situations is in the interest of regions with frequent wolf-related issues.
Criticism of the Decision
Some critics disapprove of this change, citing lack of scientific basis for the decision and questioning whether it's an effective solution for protecting farm animals. The Green party in Germany called the process "scandalous," stating that it goes against the fast-approaching extinction crisis and the EU's response to the problem created by humans is, essentially, to kill a protected species.
The debate around wolves is intense, and incidents of livestock being killed or entering barns are on the rise, posing challenges for farmers. In recent years, the number of livestock injured or killed by wolves in the EU has increased significantly. This issue has put pressure on livestock farmers, who advocate for more flexible management options regarding wolf populations.
Political Backdrop
The change in the wolf's protection status ties in with an EU Commission proposal and the Parliament's previous demands. The EU Commission aims to change the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive (FFH) with respect to wolves, giving member states more power in managing their wolf populations, provided they maintain a "favorable conservation status" as an overriding goal.
Various political figures have expressed opinions on the wolf issue. For instance, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has previously indicated that his government is open to discussing cattle protection measures in areas with severe human-wolf conflicts, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a personal experience with wolves when one of her ponies was killed by a wolf in 2022.
Ultimately, the consequences of relaxing wolf protection regulations in the EU remain to be seen, as opinions differ on whether this decision will help balance conservation efforts with the needs of local communities or risk undermining past wolf recovery progress.
Sources: ntv.de, lar/dpa
- Wolves
- EU Parliament
- Strasbourg
- EU
- Animals
- Animal welfare
- The decision made by the majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg has resulted in a potential relaxation of restrictions on wolf protection in the EU.
- Some EU countries are considering implementing changes to their national laws, such as the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Hunting Act, to accommodate the downgraded protection status of wolves.
- Despite being legally protected, wolves in regions with frequent wolf-related issues may encounter increased culling as a result of the change in the wolf's protection status.
- The change in the wolf's protection status is part of an EU Commission proposal and follows previous demands from the Parliament, with the goal of providing member states with more power in managing their wolf populations.
- The ongoing debate around wolves and animal welfare is complex, pitting concerns for farming communities against the need to protect the species and maintain a favorable conservation status for wolves in the EU.
