Swiss parliament debates stricter wolf management amid livestock attacks
The Swiss parliament is set to debate proposals to tighten wolf management regulations, following a recommendation from the Environment, Spatial Planning, and Energy Committee of the National Council (UREK-N). The committee has backed motions submitted by Esther Friedli (SVP/SG) and Pascal Broulis (FDP/VD), which will now go to a full National Council vote.
The UREK-N committee argues that the increasing number of attacks on livestock necessitates broader intervention options. It proposes allowing wolves to be shot in protected hunting areas and regulating 'problem animals', even if they are part of a pack or within a pack's territory. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of debate among critics.
The committee's decision to permit wolf culls in protected zones passed by a narrow margin—11 votes in favour, 11 against, with three abstentions and the casting vote of committee president Christian Imark (SVP/SO). Two minority factions oppose the motions, advocating for an evaluation of the recently enacted hunting law's impact before further action.
The Council of States and a National Council committee now support allowing the culling of wolves in protected hunting zones and targeting 'problem animals'. The federal government, however, maintains its position of strengthening wolf management through enhanced livestock protection, promoting coexistence, and implementing targeted population control where necessary. The full National Council will soon vote on these proposals.
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