The federal government approves almost all shooting requests: now it’s time to go to the wolf

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Federal councilor Albert Rösti (56) had barely presented his wolf shooting plans when the hunters in Valais had already loaded their guns. Even though the adjustment of hunting rules remains very controversial, the Minister of the Environment made it clear that he wants to get to the collar of the protected predator. The cantons are now allowed to kill wolves as a preventive measure – and not just after damage has occurred.

Wallis immediately responded to the Federal Office’s decision. State Councilor Frédéric Favre had decided to order the shootings immediately, the canton announced – less than an hour after the Federal Office for the Environment sent its notice.

The intention is to shoot seven of the thirteen packs of around 34 animals in Valais, although the project is likely to take years to implement, according to the canton.

It is therefore not surprising that the Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) of Rösti approves almost all requests for shootings from the cantons, it announced on Tuesday. Twelve packs must be completely exterminated. Only a request from Ticino to remove the entire pack from the Onsernone Valley was rejected.

Young animals must be shot

In the Onsernone Valley, there have been no cracks in protected situations in the past twelve months, the Federal Office explained. However, Ticino was able to shoot two-thirds of the pack’s young wolves.

The cantons can do the same for five other packs (Val Colla, Carvina, Jatzhorn, Rügiul and Mont Tendre), as stated. The cantons of Graubünden, Valais, Vaud, St. Gallen and Ticino submitted applications.

According to the federal government, there are currently 32 wolf packs with a total of around 300 wolves roaming Switzerland. Of these, 18 packages are now under attack – more than half.

Incompatible with the Berne Convention

In wolf protection circles, the federal and cantonal plans had already encountered criticism before the Bafu decision. The wolf protection organizations CH Wolf and Avenir Loup Lynx Jura announced last Friday that the project is incompatible with the Bern Convention.

The Bern Convention is an agreement on the conservation of European wild plants and animals and their natural habitats. Switzerland has signed this treaty. (SDA/dba)

Source:Blick