Goldschmidt: Decisions on wolf culls are sensible
In the opinion of Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister, the decisions by the federal and state governments to introduce lighter shooting rules for wolves are sensible. "There is a consensus that herd protection measures are crucial for ensuring the least possible conflict between livestock grazing and wolf populations," said Minister Tobias Goldschmidt (Greens) on Friday.
"At the same time, the Federal Environment Ministry's proposal to establish areas with an increased number of wolves allows for an appropriate reduction in bureaucracy when removing conspicuous wolves," emphasized the Minister. "This was an important concern for the federal states with high wolf populations and for me too."
Specifically, the resolution of the Conference of Environment Ministers for the rapid shooting of wolves stipulates that an animal may only be killed if it has killed livestock despite the existence of herd protection measures such as fences. In addition, the federal states are to be able to define certain regions with an increased number of wolf killings, in which a DNA analysis does not have to be awaited before a wolf can be shot.
The upcoming agriculture conferences could discuss the impact of wolf populations on livestock farming and potential solutions. The decision to allow for lighter shooting rules in conferences related to animal welfare and environmental conservation should take into account the welfare of both wolves and livestock.
Source: www.dpa.com
