In the Puy-de-Dôme region, the massacre of jackdaws will not go unnoticed: One Voice is filing a complaint!
On 26 and 27 April 2025, in Riom, hunters took over an entire area to kill birds near homes. Claiming to have a prefectural exemption to shoot corvids, the men went beyond all limits, targeting jackdaws which are protected species. Not to mention their disregard for basic safety rules, which put all passers-by in direct danger. We are filing a complaint and demanding the immediate suspension of the officially appointed huntmaster in charge!
Shooting anything that flies… even a protected species
After deafening gunshots, several corvids were found dying in the car park of a hotel in Riom. Hunters had, with a smile on their lips, slaughtered them on the orders of the Prefect. A hunt at the initiative of the administration – undoubtedly illegal, like so many others – organised under the authority of an officially appointed huntmaster who we believe can be identified by his uniform. This is the sad fate of black crows and rooks, which are also targeted by an ESOD classification that we have challenged in court.
But on that day, the men went further and unscrupulously shot jackdaws, which are protected and readily identified by their characteristic blue eyes and ash-grey necks. Before discreetly collecting their bodies… in front of the cameras of shocked witnesses. And this even though these birds are already the target of massive culling campaigns in Brittany, which we challenge every year, despite the many alternatives available.
Safety, always an optional extra when it comes to killing animals
No rules were followed by these trigger-happy professionals. Less than a hundred metres from homes and next to a motorway, the lead pellets were within range of roofs and windows. The ‘hunting in progress’ signs are not enough to prevent projectiles from hitting vehicles travelling at 130 kilometres per hour.
We have already alerted the government to this outdated practice due to the mortal dangers it poses to animals and humans. In addition to these risks, it is also harmful to the environment due to the pollution generated by the ammunition.
We are filing a complaint against “persons unknown” for the killing of rooks, and are asking the Prefect of Puy-de-Dôme to immediately suspend the huntmaster responsible for this massacre. While we wait for justice to be done, sign our petition to demand a radical reform of hunting!