By Euro Weekly News Media • Published: 11 Oct 2019 • 19:10
Wolf killing banned in Europe.
HUNTING and killing wolves has been banned in Europe.
In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice has ruled that wolves cannot killed unless Member States prove there is no alternative to lethal wolf population management.
Humane Society International/Europe has hailed the ruling as life-saving for wolves and other large carnivores such as bears and lynx who are threatened by habitat loss and direct persecution and poaching.
Dr Jo Swabe, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Humane Society International/Europe says: “This is a life-saving decision for Europe’s wolves and a pivotal moment for Europe’s highest court to rule in their favour. There have been increasing and persistent calls from the farming and hunting lobbies to remove EU protections for wolves and other large carnivores so that they can be hunted.
“This decision by the ECJ makes it very clear that killing these protected animals should only ever be a last resort when all other preventative measures have failed.”
Dr Swabe points out that these species, which were wiped out in many parts of Europe, are only now finally recovering from past persecution thanks to the EU Habitats Directive.
The European Commission argues that the EU Habitats Directive is fit for purpose but needs better policing by Member States.
Facts
Humane Society International and its partner organizations together constitute one of the world’s largest animal protection organizations. For more than 20 years, HSI has been working for the protection of all animals through the use of science, advocacy, education and hands on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide – on the Web at hsi.org.si.org.
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