Only a third supports preventive wolf culling
Since 1 December 2023, the preventive culling of entire wolf packs has been legally permitted in Switzerland. Complaints have been filed by various environmental associations and organisations against some of the resulting culling orders. A YouGov survey examines public sentiment.
46% oppose preventive culling
The decision by SVP Federal Councillor Albert Rösti is endorsed by only a minority of the Swiss population: 33% of Swiss people support preventive culling, while 46% oppose it. The remaining percentage are undecided.
Approval is significantly higher among older respondents than among younger ones. Half of those aged 60 to 79 (49%) support the preventive culling of wolves, compared to only 20% among those aged 18 to 29.
Lack of natural predators cited as main reason by supporters
Supporters cite as their main reason that the wolf has no natural predators and that human regulation of pack numbers is therefore necessary (55%). 38% say that culling can prevent suffering among livestock. 36% see the wolf as a threat to the livelihoods of livestock owners.
Those who oppose preventive culling cite as their main reason that culling is not necessary to improve the protection of livestock (48%). 31% believe it makes no sense to reintroduce the wolf and then kill it preventively. 26% say the wolf is important for biodiversity.
Two thirds of the population encounter the topic in the media at least several times a month.
One in three considers the reintroduction of the wolf to be important
The settlement / immigration of the wolf into Switzerland is considered important to very important by 32% of all Swiss respondents. In contrast, the settlement of the ibex is rated as more important (76%). In the middle range are the bearded vulture (56%) as well as beaver and lynx (47% each).
These are the results of a YouGov survey for which 1’260 people in Switzerland were interviewed between 23 and 26 February using standardized online interviews from the actively recruited and verified Swiss panel. The results are representative of the Swiss population aged 18 and over.
Dossier: Wolf in Switzerland: Facts, Politics and the Limits of Hunting
Participate: Due to the catastrophic policy of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti (SVP), demand a tax remission request from your municipality for federal and cantonal taxes in light of the recently approved culling of wolves in Switzerland. You can download the template letter here: https://wildbeimwild.com/ein-appell-fuer-eine-veraenderung-in-der-schweiz/
