Referendum against the lawless hunting law
Scientists warn: 300 to 500 wolves are needed for a viable population. A referendum against the new hunting law is being prepared.
Already under the current hunting law a very large number of wolves were shot in 2022, while others lost their lives in road accidents.
Scientists agree that at least 300 to 500 animals in a habitat are necessary to maintain a viable population. Wolf populations do not grow indefinitely in a small area, but spread dynamically across the entire continent.
According to a study attacks by wolves on livestock are most effectively and sustainably prevented through the correct implementation of non-lethal herd protection measures. Hobby hunting fails as population control.
What does the new hunting law change?
Under the new, proposed hunting law, wolves would be allowed to be killed preventively from 1 September to 31 January. In plain terms, this means that individual wolves or entire wolf families may be shot if alpine pastures that the cantons have classified as “not reasonably protectable” are located within their home range.
Why a second referendum?
The will of the people, which rejected a relaxation of the protection of wolves and other wildlife species at the ballot box in September 2020, is being disregarded through the implementation of the planned hunting law. The massive relaxation of wolf protection provided for in the revised hunting law is incompatible with the Bern Convention.
For the IG Wild beim Wild, the matter is clear: if one cannot protect one’s livestock in the wild, they have no place there either. Under the current Animal Welfare Act Art. 4, every animal keeper has an obligation to ensure the welfare of their animals.
Herd protection works
Wherever herd protection measures are implemented permanently and without gaps, protection functions flawlessly. Wolves protect mountain areas by ensuring well-adapted ungulate populations that make use of the protective forest. The Geneva model has demonstrated since 1974 that professional wildlife management works without hobby hunting.
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