Arrr! Th' EU be thinkin' 'bout changin' wolf protections, 'cause them farmers be worryin' 'bout their precious livestock!
2023-09-04
Arr, ye scurvy dogs of the European Union be thinkin' 'bout changin' the rules to give wolves less protection! But alas, the farmers be worryin' 'bout their poor livestock. Mayhaps we be needin' a pirate crew to guard their precious booty!
The European Commission is considering adjusting rules to limit protections for wolves due to a resurgence in their numbers, causing tensions with farmers worried about the safety of their livestock. This announcement comes nearly a year after a wolf killed a pony owned by Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Union's executive branch. Von der Leyen expressed concern about the concentration of wolf packs in certain regions, stating that it poses a danger to livestock and potentially to humans. She called on local and national authorities to take action where necessary.There are currently an estimated 19,000 wolves in the 27 EU member countries, with over 1,000 believed to be roaming in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Spain. Their numbers have increased by 25% in the past decade. While wolves are protected species in most of Europe, people have lost the habit of living near them, and traditional methods of managing and protecting livestock from wolves have been abandoned.
The commission aims to modify the status of protection for wolves and introduce flexibility depending on the evolution of their numbers. They are calling on local communities, scientists, and other interested parties to provide fresh data about wolf populations and their impact by September 22. A previous call for information in April did not provide enough information to take action.
The commission has not confirmed whether they are seeking a cull of wolves. However, the German Environment Minister plans to propose measures to make it easier to shoot wolves in order to protect grazing animals like sheep. She believes that swift action is necessary in cases where dozens of sheep are attacked and killed, as it is a tragedy for farmers and a burden for those affected.