“The hunt in the sights – conservation or senseless animal cruelty?” A lecture at the University of Graz (7 pm) is already exciting. Because Rudolf Winkelmayer, ethicist, veterinarian, ex-hunter, finds clear words.
„krone“: Mr Winkelmayer, until ten years ago you were one yourself: why don’t you like the hunters?
Rudolf Winkelmayer: It’s not that I don’t like people, it’s the common, far from outdated and often cruelty to animal hunting method that I denounce.
What’s so bad about that?
Look: The scientific approach has changed enormously in recent years. Today we have known for a long time that animals are not insensitive creatures, but animals that are capable of suffering, have emotions, think rationally and even plan for the future. Only the hunt is the same as 100 years ago.
What do you condemn?
The senseless killing of live animals just for fun and entertainment.
However, it is argued that the wild population should be regulated.
That’s not true, otherwise we wouldn’t have one of the largest stocks of all right now. I say it is kept artificially high by feed and winter ports, just to enjoy the pleasure of the hunt.
What is your solution?
The stock must be regulated, yes, so that it becomes ecologically sound and the existing stock has sufficient food and habitat. But this is from professionals. Not by amateur hunters, who often do not hit the target well enough and thus cause animal suffering.
But isn’t it a hunt to find and rescue a wounded animal?
Yes? I will tell you that in practice this is not always the case, but only where you want to secure the trophy.
What do you think of the battue hunt, which is increasingly criticized by society?
Performed calmly by professionals, it can be the mildest way to realize shooting plans. As now, with hunting horn players and packs of amateur shooters, that must be sternly rejected. And there is no reason to hunt for small game such as pheasant, partridge or hare! That takes care of itself.
Besides killing lust?
That has nothing to do with ethics, killing for fun has to stop. But with us there are fighters in the highest governmental circles or among managers, the network is large, the will to change is low.
You give the lecture at the invitation of the association against animal factories, a militant opponent of the hunters, and you speak clear words. Not afraid of being targeted yourself?
I was an enemy from the moment I brought up hunting and animal ethics. Nobody wants to hear that. You cover that up.
The lecture will take place on Wednesday at 19:00 in the University of Graz in lecture hall 06.02.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
