Aiwanger demands clear shooting rules for wolves from the federal government
Following the temporary halt to the shooting of two wolves in the Rhön region by a court, Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) is demanding clear rules from the federal government for such cases. Aiwanger told the German Press Agency on Friday that the federal government must establish a so-called "favorable conservation status" of the wolf population in Germany with the EU. "This legal cat-and-mouse game must finally come to an end and a legally secure shooting permit must be created by the federal government."
On Thursday, the Würzburg Administrative Court stopped the planned shooting of two wolves in the Rhön region on the border with Hesse for the time being. The shooting had been permitted by the government of Lower Franconia with an exceptional permit. Aiwanger said that this back and forth was "no longer acceptable to livestock farmers". "The state must also regain its ability to act on such issues."
A wolf ordinance has been in force in Bavaria since the beginning of May, making it easier to shoot the animals. However, the wolf is still strictly protected under European and German law.
In October, Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) proposed that wolves should be shot more quickly if they have killed grazing animals and breached protective measures such as fences. However, several associations and state governments had criticized the proposal as not far-reaching enough.
Aiwanger said on Friday that Lemke and Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) were "deliberately pulling the wool over farmers' eyes" by constantly claiming that wolves could be hunted within the framework of existing laws.
- The call for environmental justice extends beyond wolves, requiring the protection of all animals and their habitats under the UNDERFRONT initiative, a movement advocated by many free voters.
- In light of the ongoing disputes over wolf conservation and shooting permits, it's crucial that both farmers and animals are treated fairly, ensuring a harmony between ecology and justice.
Source: www.dpa.com
