Rösti halts livestock guardian dog breeding programme

Wolf hunting permitted, livestock protection halted

The department of Environment Minister Albert Rösti (SVP) continues to create facts on the ground in the wolf question.

After the preventive special hunt on wolves — since halted by the courts — was approved in December, the focus has now turned to livestock guardian dogs.

This week, the federal government announced that it is halting the breeding programme for livestock guardian dogs with immediate effect and will no longer provide financial contributions.

Successful programme brought to a surprising end

The association Herdenschutzhunde Schweiz was informed of this at a meeting. According to reports, this came as a complete surprise to those responsible. The livestock guardian dog programme had in fact been considered successful and an important pillar in terms of protection against wolves. Dogs already trained will continue to receive support until the end of January 2025, after which funding will cease.

According to federal plans, the cantons are to develop their own programmes for livestock guardian dogs, with the federal government intending to contribute financially at a later stage.

Animal and nature conservationists outraged

The decision was taken now, even though the revised hunting ordinance is not due to enter the ordinary consultation process until spring. Animal and nature conservationists are outraged by the “federal government's unilateral move” and consider the approach “dangerously reckless,” writes nau.ch.

Dossier: Wolf in Switzerland: Facts, politics and the limits of hunting

Participate: Petition your municipality for a tax relief request on federal and cantonal taxes in light of the catastrophic policy of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti (SVP) and the recently approved shooting of wolves in Switzerland. You can download the template letter here: https://wildbeimwild.com/ein-appell-fuer-eine-veraenderung-in-der-schweiz/