Lead-free hunting: Ban on lead-containing ammunition in the canton

Hunting ammunition in canton (………) shall be completely lead-free to protect wildlife, humans and the environment from gradual lead poisoning.

1. Motion

The government is instructed to submit to the Grand Council a proposal for amending the Law on Hunting and Wildlife Protection (………) as well as the Hunting Ordinance (…………), which completely prohibits the use of lead-containing ammunition in hunting in canton (………). The legislative revision must particularly ensure that:

• only lead-free ammunition may be used throughout the entire cantonal territory when hunting, regardless of hunting method, game species and hunting district type.
• the ban on lead-containing ammunition applies to both licensed hunters and any hunting ground lessees, hunting guests and other hunting practitioners.
• clear technical minimum requirements and quality standards are established for the use of lead-free ammunition that guarantee animal welfare-compliant killing effectiveness.
• an appropriate transition period is provided for complete conversion to lead-free ammunition, during which the canton's information and consultation obligations toward hunters, weapons dealers and shooting ranges are explicitly regulated.
• effective control mechanisms are created during and after the transition period expires, for example:
  • random inspections by game wardens and other enforcement agencies
  • documentation requirements for kill reports
  • sanction regulations for violations.
• the government establishes monitoring of lead contamination in the environment and food chain, particularly:
  • examination of wildlife organs and raptors for lead residues
  • examination of game meat brought to market for lead contamination.
• that the Executive Council explains in its message:
  • how extensive the current use of lead-containing hunting ammunition is in the canton
  • what effects the ban is expected to have on animal welfare, the environment and public health
  • what organizational and financial consequences will arise for the canton, municipalities and affected groups.

The Executive Council considers in its proposal the necessary transitional provisions, particularly with regard to ongoing lease agreements, existing hunting plans and the adaptation of cantonal enforcement guidelines.

2. Brief justification

Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that accumulates in organisms and the environment. During hunting, lead is introduced in large quantities into forests, fields and waterways through projectiles. Exploding or fragmenting lead projectiles leave numerous small fragments in animal carcasses, which can be ingested by scavengers, domestic animals and ultimately by humans through food.

Numerous international studies have shown that lead-containing hunting ammunition poses a significant poisoning risk for birds of prey, scavenging wildlife as well as for dogs and cats. There is also a health risk for consumers of game meat, particularly for children, pregnant women and other sensitive population groups.

Technically mature lead-free alternatives have been available for years and are already being used successfully in various countries as well as individual Swiss cantons. A complete ban on lead-containing hunting ammunition is therefore necessary both from the perspective of environmental and health protection as well as from the aspect of proportionality.

The canton (………) has scope within its hunting rights to regulate the use of certain ammunition and to enact additional protective provisions. With this motion, the Executive Council is tasked with utilizing this scope and creating clear legal foundations for consistently lead-free hunting. This will better protect wildlife, the environment and the population, and the canton will make a concrete contribution to reducing lead contamination in the food chain.

Modern hunting policy renounces poison in the gun barrel. Those who promote game meat as a natural product must not serve their customers a heavy metal cocktail.

Added value:

• Game meat: Natural, healthy – or dangerous?
• Game meat from hobby hunters? – Carrion on the plate!
• According to studies, there are health risks in the context of consuming game meat
• Nutrition: The civilized taste
• Game meat from hunters is carrion
• Game meat cannot be ORGANIC
• Meat from wild animals is not organic game
• Dementia: How harmful is game meat?
• Game meat makes you sick
• Lead residues in game meat products
• Game meat: Risks, lead and hunting myths
• Warning: Caution against game meat from hobby hunters
• Hunters also lie when selling meat