Hobby hunting under the influence of alcohol remains permitted in Bern
That alcohol is a major problem can also be seen on the faces of hobby hunters when they gather.
Centre-right majority rejects motion
The Bernese Grand Council has rejected a motion that sought to ban hobby hunting under the influence of alcohol.
A corresponding change in the law was not necessary, concluded a centre-right majority, which rejected a motion by Casimir von Arx (GLP) by 74 votes to 64.
Most hobby hunters were responsible, but not all of them, said von Arx. Alcohol reduces accuracy. This puts animal welfare at risk. Bern should follow the example of the cantons of Zurich and Neuchâtel: the same rules as in road traffic apply there for alcohol consumption while hobby hunting. Those who violate them should be excluded from hobby hunting.
Supporters from various parties
It was not about 0.0 per mille, noted Nicola von Greyerz (SP). The occasional glass would still be permitted. However, animal welfare does justify a regulation, concluded Christa Ammann (AL) on behalf of the Green parliamentary group. As a mushroom picker, she would feel safer knowing that no hobby hunters were out who had already had two or three beers, added Melanie Gasser (GLP).
He had once witnessed how an intoxicated hobby hunter had shot and wounded a roe deer and had not even noticed the suffering animal himself, reported Hanspeter Steiner (EVP). Soberly considered, it was good to support the motion.
Demand: 0.0 per mille as with police and military
From the perspective of IG Wild beim Wild, the threshold at which a hobby hunter is deemed unreliable under firearms law for handling weapons under the influence of alcohol should be set at 0.0 per mille blood alcohol, as is also the case in military or police service.
After hunting accidents mandatory alcohol tests are to be introduced. In addition, following the example of the Netherlands, medical-psychological assessments are needed for recreational hunters, as well as an upper age limit. The largest age group among hobby hunters is 65+, those with age-related, visual, concentration and reaction impairments as well as training and practice deficits — and precisely these individuals either drink alcohol to steady their trigger finger, or they abstain and make missed shots, which is associated with enormous animal suffering.
