The European Commission is considering changes to the protection status of wolves in the EU. Data about this is currently being collected. European environmental and animal protection organizations fear that protection for wolves will be relaxed and accuse the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, of spreading “misleading information about wolves”. In this way, the outcome of the data collection could be anticipated, a statement said.
“The concentration of wolf packs in some European regions has become a real danger to livestock and possibly also to people,” Von der Leyen said last week. She called on local and national authorities to take action where necessary. EU law already makes this possible.
ÖVP minister also wants to lower the protection status
Before deciding whether to make any changes to the protection status, “local communities, scientists and all interested parties” are invited to provide more information about wolves by September 22. Austrian Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) has also been campaigning for a long time to lower the protection status of wolves.
Animal rights activists insist that the claim that the concentration of wolf packs has become a danger to livestock and possibly humans is not based on scientific findings. In addition, EU state aid regulations in the agricultural sector allowed member states to compensate farmers for damage caused by wolves. This means that costs to prevent damage, such as installing electric fencing or purchasing guard dogs, can also be fully reimbursed.
“Clarity” demanded by the Commission
The NGOs’ joint statement emphasizes that wolves are an integral part of Europe’s natural heritage and play a crucial role in preserving the ecosystem and biodiversity. The return of the wolf to Europe is a remarkable conservation success that should not be jeopardized. The signatories demand “clarity from the European Commission on its impartial position on this matter”. Examples include the WWF, EuroNatur, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and ClientEarth.
Source: Krone
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