The Steyr-Land district council responded to farmers’ calls and granted permission for the shooting of several young mute swans in Garsten. Animal rights activists are outraged by this and offer the targeted waterfowl resettlement and asylum.
The Steyr-Land district council has released five one-year-old mute swans after they were shot in Garsten. The background: A handful of farmers had complained about increasing damage (several thousand euros) to pastures and proposed the official coercive measure.
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The population of mute swans on the left bank of the Enns has increased significantly in recent years. Dozens of swans were found in the area during an on-site inspection by authorities. In addition to the damage caused by feeding, grass plants would also be trampled and pooped out, meaning they could no longer be fed to livestock.
According to the district administration, only a combination of forced firing and deterrence could effectively limit damage to agricultural areas.
However, this decision caused outrage among animal rights activists: “You don’t have to immediately kill swans when problems arise. “First of all, we must try to drive them away,” says retired teacher Doris Adami (66), who has been mapping the waterfowl population along the Enns for years.
Complaint against decision
“Most people are shocked when they hear of swans being shot. We would immediately take care of the animals that caused a nuisance in Garsten,” explains Jürgen Stadler of Pfotenhilfe Lochen. Michaela Lehner of the Vienna Animal Protection Association also suggests capturing and relocating some swans.
The lawyer therefore filed a written complaint against the murder order. ‘We request that less stringent measures be taken, as these are the most important means.’ The compulsory shooting order applies until May 31, 2024. Lehner: ‘This also falls during the swan breeding season!’
The swan is considered a special bird by many people. On the one hand it represents light and purity, on the other hand it symbolizes the end of life. For example, the last works of an artist or the last words of a politician are called a swan song. From ancient times, the water bird was also said to have a predictive power.
In Schwanenstadt, swans are part of the city coat of arms, in Gmunden a swan is the landmark. In Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, the ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan; Tchaikovsky even dedicated a ballet to the animal. And in Garsten they are shot. . .
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
