European Court of Justice
Judgment: Wolf hunting ban also valid in Austria
A ruling on hunting wolves has caused renewed controversy. (Illustration) Photo
© Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
Opinions are divided when it comes to wolves. Some believe that hunting the predator is necessary, while others point to the very high level of protection it offers. A ruling has brought new material to the debate.
“An exception to this ban to avoid economic damage can only be granted if the wolf population is in a favourable conservation status, which is not the case in Austria,” explained the court in Luxembourg. The wolf is – without prejudice to exceptions in other countries – strictly protected by the Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive (FFH).
The court ruled in the case of a so-called pest wolf, which is said to have killed around 20 sheep in the state of Tyrol and had been given permission to be shot.
Reaction in Tyrol: no immediate impact
In an initial reaction, Tyrolean Agriculture Minister Josef Geisler (ÖVP) explained that the ruling had no immediate impact, but “unfortunately it did not bring any relief either.” The shooting regulations had proven their worth. “By applying a strict test standard, we can continue to remove harmful and risk wolves.” The regulations are decisions made on a case-by-case basis that also take into account the special features of alpine farming.
So far 20 kills in Austria
According to an overview by the Austrian Bear, Wolf and Lynx Centre, a total of 20 harmful and high-risk wolves have been shot in the Alpine republic since last year. The harmful wolves are animals that had previously mostly killed sheep. A high-risk wolf is an animal that approaches human settlements and cannot be scared away.
According to the center, 104 wolves were identified in Austria last year. Most of them were migratory wolves that do not hunt permanently in Austria.
From the perspective of the state of Tyrol, the decision makes it clear that there is a great need for changes to the FFH Directive. “We are calling on the EU Commission and the European Parliament to lower the protection status and expect more speed here. The wolf is not threatened with extinction and should be regulated like any other wild animal,” said Geisler.
Expert: Consequences beyond Austria
According to lawyer Jochen Schumacher from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Nature Conservation Law in Tübingen, the ruling has consequences that extend beyond Austria. It has an impact on all EU member states, he told the German Press Agency.
The hurdles for shooting have been made more precise. In Austria, each individual alpine pasture must now be examined on site to determine whether protection, for example by shepherds or fences, is possible. “The current practice of categorizing alpine pastures as not worthy of protection based on criteria is in any case not compatible with the FFH Directive,” said Schumacher.