The wolves are tearing sheep rows and the Tyrolean farmers are literally running out of patience: a short-term discussion in Wattens (Innsbruck-Land district) received an overwhelming response. The tenor was clear!
The hall filled and filled, at the end many of the 120 farmers were standing in the aisle and on the terrace. With a serious look and the burning question on the lips: when and how will politics get the wolf? The chairman of the Chamber of Agriculture, Josef Hechenberger, looked around in astonishment. In fact, he had only expected a short conversation with Marco Rabanser at the Vogelsberg inn. After – as reported – nine animals of the hobby sheep farmer on the Wazalm am Wattenberg were torn up.
A one-on-one conversation turned into a blooming room
The date was circulated – and eventually Rabanser, with the help of Wattener Bernhard Graf (sober moderation), set up a panel discussion within two days. Theme: The “summer of blood” on the Tyrolean pastures, the endless series of dead and badly injured sheep, most of which can be attributed to the wolf. “It is about nothing less than the future of alpine agriculture. Because if the sheep are now driven out, the cow farmers will also have to tremble,” Rabanser admonished, applauding.
“Don’t just listen to Brussels”
Hechenberger and his ÖVP colleague from the National Council Hermann Gahr agreed with the chorus of those present that the wolf was out of place in Tyrol. Politicians were spared the role of “the dock”. Even if some of them resonated with the fact that the black majority party had ignored the big predators for (too) long. “We can no longer just listen to Brussels,” Hechenberger muttered about the wolf’s EU protection status. And criticized the animal rights activists: “Why do you want to allow misery on our pastures?”
Will the state elections on September 25 spur politicians into action? “We have to mobilize now and convince the parties – before there is a new government,” warned Stefan Brugger, president of the association Weidezone Tirol. Like many others, he is giving up this year’s alpine season. “Now it’s about 2023. Once wolf packs form in Tyrol, all is lost.”
Decision for Wolf 158MATK is here
Meanwhile, the state issued the shooting order for the wolf 158MATK, which had raged in Elbows, Tulfes and Wattenberg. It is exempt from year-round protection here and in some neighboring hunting areas until October 31. According to the state, the decision can be appealed within four weeks, but this has no suspensive effect. There are practical problems with kills: A hunter in the hall: “Should I first ask the wolf if he is really 158MATK?”
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.
