Referendum for the Abolition of Hunting in Italy

On 1 July 2021, a petition drive began in Italy for a popular initiative against hobby hunting.

500,000 signatures by the end of September

The goal is to collect 500,000 signatures by the end of September. Reaching the required number of signatures would make it possible to call a referendum on the abolition of hobby hunting. The regulatory framework for hobby hunting in Italy is rooted in outdated and vague parameters dating back to 1979.

Roe deer, foxes, birds: every year, Italy's recreational hunters kill almost half a billion wild animals. Species that are protected or already under severe pressure — due to habitat loss, land consumption, pesticides, and climate change — are also being hunted.

Let us reclaim forests, fields, and nature in general. An end to hobby hunters who violate nature, often through arson, to terrorise wildlife and make them even easier prey.

GianMarco Prampolini of the Comitato Referendum SI aboliamo la caccia

2.3 million wild boar — caused by hobby hunters

Italy's farmers are suffering increasingly from the rampant wild boar problem. While the country counted an estimated 500,000 wild boar in 2010, the number is said to have risen to around 2.3 million today.Hobby hunting in Italy also means violation of private property rights, due to Article 842 of the Civil Code.

Hobby hunting in Italy is a sport that injures and kills people. In 2018, for example, there were 13 deaths and 50 injuries within hunting areas — a total of 63 victims.

Hobby hunters and the arms industry: a deadly combination that harms nature and kills people.