Massacres in Sologne: hunting with 4x4s. One Voice brings civil action against six poachers
Illustrative photo from our investigations on hunting
Their guns are no longer sufficient to them. When hunters swap their horses for 4x4s, they use them to massacre deer and wild boar by ramming them at full speed in the forests of the Cher region. This is a story of extremely violent poaching brought to light by the investigation opened by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) in 2023. We have filed a civil suit and will be present at the Court in Châteauroux on 30 April 2025 at 1.30 pm.
Ramming animals with 4x4s… for “thrill-seeking”
Ramming animals with 4x4s… for “thrill-seeking”
In 2023, OFB investigators noticed tyre tracks in the middle of the Sologne forest, in an area closed to traffic. They soon discovered that six hunters regularly used these paths, crushing everything in their path.
The agents were in for more surprises. For several years, these men had been in the habit of slaughtering wild animals… by running them over with their vehicles, equipped with “bull bars”. Some indulged in this pastime at night, using searchlights to chase down the animals, before proudly filming themselves among the bloody carcasses.
We demand exemplary sanctions
Like their colleagues who mistreat their dogs and commit repeat offences, they probably felt untouchable and above the law. Their point of view is clear: yes, it’s illegal, but who cares! One wild boar more or less won’t make any difference, so they might as well have a bit of fun. This is a terrifying view of nature and animals that must be severely punished.
These facts are sadly revealing of the mindset of hunters, which our three-year investigation had already brought to light. To protest against this unspeakable violence and to demand exemplary sanctions, we will be present at the Court in Châteauroux on 30 April at 1.30 pm. In the meantime, sign our petition for a radical reform of hunting!
Poachers acquitted due to procedural errors
At today’s hearing, one of the lawyers representing the six poachers asked the court to acquit them due to procedural errors. His request was granted: the investigation was cancelled, and the six men were released from court. At issue were cameras used in an unauthorised manner by the French Office for Biodiversity to identify the six men. A disaster for the investigators and the public prosecutor’s office, which has announced that it will appeal. We will explore all avenues available to us to secure a conviction. Massacring animals for pleasure by crushing them under the wheels of a 4×4 should never go unpunished.