Chamois better protected – animal rights activists put an end to forced shooting

For every mountain climber or hiker it is something special when chamois appear. “You stop immediately and observe the shy animals for as long as possible. There is something majestic about moving over the mountain ridges,” says editor Diana Zwickl, who regularly reports from high altitude for the “Berg-Krone”.

But it’s different for hunters. For years, chamois were allowed to be hunted mercilessly through mandatory shooting orders, according to the broadcast by the animal rights activists. Furthermore: “In the Höllengebirge in Upper Austria there are truly hellish conditions for wild animals. No matter how high the winter losses were, how necessary the habitat in question is for the population.”

The association “Wildes Bayern” has taken action against this because they see themselves as advocates for these animals. A complaint has been filed against the ‘chain decisions’ of the responsible district authorities – and a ruling from the administrative judge (VwGH) has now been received that will lead to reconsideration.

“The verdict is a sensation for us because it finally meets the protection requirements of the chamois flora-fauna habitat guidelines,” said Wildes Bayern chairman Dr. Christine Miller after the decision was announced. “So far, authorities in almost all states have been able to declare chamois outlaws at the request of landowners and the forestry administration. From Vorarlberg to Carinthia there are such opportunities at any time to eliminate chamois from certain areas. With the verdict we now have a sword in hand to combat such abuses.”