Melles: the hunting season for goats is open!
In Melles (31), the mayor has authorised the slaughter of one hundred goats. The reason cited? They would damage gardens and fences.
It is well known: goats are particularly destructive animals who represent a huge danger for public safety. With this in mind, the Melles (31) mayor has chosen a radical (and illegal) solution: to authorise hunters to kill a group of goats that have been abandoned in the hills of the village. And this is even despite the existence of numerous alternatives. Of course, it is always the same individuals who pay the price: animals. We are attacking this interim decree before the Toulouse Administrative Tribunal. The hearing is on 28 November 2023 at 10am.
Photo: Melles Collectif Preservons Melles with their kind permission.
Update from 4 December 2023:
On 1 December, the judge at the Toulouse Administrative Tribunal proved us right and suspended the mayor’s decree authorising the killing of several dozen goats. For him, damage to stone walls and scratches to the bodywork of a vehicle are minor and attributing this to ‘wandering goats’ cannot be proven. This killing is therefore not necessary, appropriate, or commensurate.
A great victory for all animals who will not be slain by hunters’ bullets. And a very clear message sent to mayors: killing animals is not a solution. It is about time that we learn to cohabit with other living beings.
Goats: ferocious animals
A few weeks ago, the mayor from a town in the Alpes-Maritimes department received some chilling information: four goats had the bad idea of… dropping a few stones onto the tennis courts. Without a second thought, the councillor authorised for them to be killed. The result: 4 animals were killed. We have condemned this situation but, clearly, the goats are easy to blame. In Melles, there are almost one hundred of them whose slaughter has been ordered, for ridiculous reasons.
The law allows the mayor to take measures to find a solution for the presence of “ferocious and destructive” animals. It is well known that goats are bloodthirsty animals who cause very significant damage throughout France. It is difficult to remain serious faced with such absurdity…
A doubly illegal massacre
Why not look for alternatives? Let’s remember that the mayor has significant power at their disposal to manage the presence of stray animals. If we are to believe the decree, there is no possible solution because the goats would move into an area that is not accessible to vehicles. And this even though they are actually accused of causing damage… to vehicles. How can anyone understand this?
Once again, the reality is very far from what is put forward by the town. It is about nothing more or less than offering easy targets to hunters. Under normal circumstances, administrative battles are entrusted to “wildlife control officers”, the State’s combat arms against animals. But, in Melles, the massacre is entrusted to local shooters. The cherry on the cake: this operation will happen… throughout the whole season. They have to make the pleasure last.
For dozens of goats who are at the point of becoming the umpteenth victims of this cruel hobby, and even though 60% of French people consider hunting to be ineffective in fighting against supposed damage caused by animals, we are attacking this decree urgently before the Toulouse Administrative Tribunal, where we will give them a voice during a hearing on 28 November at 10am.
Translated from the French by Joely Justice