Wolf kills: Compensation payment only with basic protection for herds
Environment Minister Katrin Eder (Greens) has called on livestock farmers in Rhineland-Palatinate to ensure consistent herd protection. In the coexistence between wolves and grazers, preventative herd protection is of essential importance and could drastically reduce the number of attacks, explained the Minister in her answer to a parliamentary question from the CDU parliamentary group in Mainz.
Consistent herd protection can also have a greater effect than shooting wolves. Especially in regions where wolves are present, all endangered grazing animals must be protected.
The Environment Minister referred to an incident in September in the Westerwald district with three dead, three injured and one missing sheep. Genetic analysis had confirmed that the animals were victims of wolf attacks. However, no pasture fence was found on the area during the further inspection that met the requirements of basic wolf-repellent protection. The design of the pasture fence did not indicate that special wolf-repellent measures had been taken.
The possibility of applying for compensation for the sheep killed by the wolf is linked to the existence of fencing in accordance with the wolf-repellent basic protection, according to the state regulations within a designated prevention area such as the Westerwald. As this was not in place, no application for compensation could be made, Eder said. Furthermore, the two-year transitional period for establishing basic protection had already expired in the Westerwald prevention area.
According to the Ministry of the Environment, 151,000 euros had been approved for livestock protection measures by the end of September this year. In 2022, the total amount in Rhineland-Palatinate was 219,000 euros.
Protecting various animal species, including grazing animals, is crucial for maintaining the balance in the natural environment. Proper fencing adhering to basic wolf-repellent protection not only safeguards these animals but also qualifies farmers for compensation in case of wolf attacks, as highlighted by Environment Minister Eder.
Source: www.dpa.com
