Birds at risk: the French government backs down, we call for an urgent ban on hunting
At a time when bird populations are plummeting in France and elsewhere, the government, ordered to act by the European Commission, is timidly considering restrictions on the killing of several endangered bird species. An initially more ambitious plan was abandoned under the weight of lobbies, whereas the situation today calls for a strong response: an immediate ban on the hunting of endangered migratory birds, and the programmed end of this so-called “leisure” practice. Let’s participate massively in the consultation on the draft ministerial decree to make the voice of birds heard!
Killing for entertainment, in the era of the sixth species mass extinction? No!
France holds a sad record: 65 species of birds can still be hunted there, generally without any justification other than the pleasure of killing. This is particularly true for mountain galliformes and skylarks, which are targeted every year and for which we take legal action. The arguments usually put forward to justify shooting fall flat when it comes to these animals, which, for the most part, cause neither damage nor disturbance.
Among the bird families reviewed by the Commission, all show signs of extreme fragility: intensive farming and pesticide spraying, habitat reduction… threats are everywhere. Emergency measures were therefore recommended, ranging from a moratorium (i.e. a temporary ban on culling) for common pochards, Eurasian wigeons, common quails, redwings, to a drastic reduction in quotas for pintails, shovelers and Eurasian green-winged teals. But, in the face of the pressure from gun-toting fanatics, the French government gave in yet again.
The government and hunters make little arrangements
As soon as the restrictions were announced, the hunting lobbies cried foul and boycotted the meetings. Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher was quick to knock on their door to reassure them… and to back down. When it comes to satisfying their demands, the government is always there, as demonstrated by its determination to authorize cruel traditional trapping, made illegal by our repeated legal actions.
The moratorium initially envisaged for common pochards has been abandoned, and the ban on the shooting of turtle doves, renewed from year to year since 2021 following our legal action, would be lifted. All this is to be replaced by “adaptive management”: in short, shooting is still happening, but the pace is a little adjusted. Only common eiders, black-tailed godwits and Eurasian curlews would be subject to a new temporary ban, while they are close to extinction in France. As with capercaillies, they are waiting until it’s too late to act.
What the French want and what we demand: an end to slaughter
The opinion of the French is clear: the majority want an end to this deadly pastime and greater protection for wild animals (IPSOS/One Voice 2023 survey). It’s time for politicians to stop bowing down to a few occult but ultra-minority advisors and finally protect these sentient beings and biodiversity as a whole.
The procrastination must stop! Birds are in danger
From now on, take part in the consultation on the draft decree on the hunting of certain birds and the draft decree on “adaptive management”, to say no to the policy of small steps and demand a moratorium on all species in decline! And sign our petition to demand an immediate five-year suspension of hunting for 20 endangered bird species*, and, ultimately, an outright ban.
* Black-tailed godwits; Common snipes; Pintails; Eurasian wigeons; Shovelers; Common whimbrels; Common curlews; Common eiders; Common pochards; hazel grouses; rock ptarmigans; Pyrenean partridge; rock partridges; garganeys; Eurasian teals; black grouses; turtle doves; lapwings; skylarks.