Hundreds of wild boars targeted in the Gard region: One Voice challenges the order for hunts at the authorities’ initiative

Hundreds of wild boars targeted in the Gard region: One Voice challenges the order for hunts at the authorities’ initiative
30.07.2025
Hundreds of wild boars targeted in the Gard region: One Voice challenges the order for hunts at the authorities’ initiative
Animaux sauvages

The Prefect of the Gard region has authorised the mass culling of wild boars in 45 municipalities in the region until 31 December 2025. The officially appointed huntmasters will be free to choose when and where to intervene, including at night, and they may be accompanied by between one and 50 hunters. To prevent a complete massacre and put a stop to these abuses, One Voice is calling for the immediate suspension of this order. See you at the hearing on 1 August at 10am at the Administrative Court in Nîmes.

Wild boars being hunted everywhere, all the time

Accused of all kinds of wrongdoing and sometimes described as “harmful” by the authorities, wild boars and their young are killed by the hundreds of thousands every year. In the Gard region, the season for hunting them lasts not five months, as for most species, but twelve. And as if that weren’t enough, they are classified as a “species likely to cause damage”: anyone requesting it can kill them or have them killed, in particular by trappers, who bait them in cages before coming to slaughter them at point-blank range.

This time, the Prefect of Gard has gone even further. He has just authorised sworn hunters to organise their own hunts in 45 municipalities in the region, whenever they see fit, until 31 December. Up to 900 operations in total, including at night, in which up to 50 hand-picked hunters, selected by the officially appointed huntmaster himself, will be able to participate. A true bloodbath is in prospect.

Massacres that solve no problems

Hunts, drives and repeated killings will not change anything: as long as we continue to grow massive amounts of corn to feed animals, who are being exploited for slaughter, on huge plots of land that are far too large to be protected, wild boars will continue to thrive. Rather than asking the real questions, the authorities continue to align themselves with the wishes of the hunters who are rubbing their hands with glee.

Of course, there is no question of them denouncing the breeding of wild boars for private hunting inside enclosures, during which they are cornered against the fence before being killed with knives, as we showed in our undercover investigation.

We will be present at the Administrative Court in Nîmes on 1 August at 10am. In the meantime, call on your elected representatives to demand the closure of farms breeding wild boars intended for hunts. Sign and share our petitions for a radical reform of hunting and a ban on hunting in enclosures, on farms and with spears!

Birds at risk: the French government backs down, we call for an urgent ban on hunting

Birds at risk: the French government backs down, we call for an urgent ban on hunting
29.07.2025
France
Birds at risk: the French government backs down, we call for an urgent ban on hunting
Wildlife

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.

The Prefecture of Ariège continues to harass bears on the Arreau summer pasture: a new petition for protection of fundamental liberties filed

The Prefecture of Ariège continues to harass bears on the Arreau summer pasture: a new petition for protection of fundamental liberties filed
28.07.2025
Ariège The Prefecture of Ariège continues to harass bears on the Arreau summer pasture: a new petition for protection of fundamental liberties filed
Animaux sauvages

Although we obtained the suspension of the prefectural order authorising reinforced scare shooting against bears on the Arreau summer pasture in Ariège on 24 July, a new text was signed two days later to reauthorise it. We filed a new petition for protection of fundamental liberties this morning. The hearing will be held at the Administrative Court in Toulouse on 29 July at 3pm.

Suspension of shooting during daytime: the Prefect refuses to accept defeat…

The Prefecture of Ariège has taken its harassment of bears too far: it had authorised scare shooting in the daytime from 21 to 25 July on the Arreau mountain pasture. The Administrative Court in Toulouse, to which our lawyers from the law firm Gossement immediately referred the matter, ruled in our favour and suspended the shooting as a measure of interim relief.

The order was illegal, and as usual the prefecture had waited until the last minute to publish it. Although its manoeuvres were publicly denounced, it did not wait long and published a new order on Saturday, authorising operations from today until Friday, from 8pm to 10am. When it comes to persecuting bears, the State wastes no time!

… and issues a new order that we immediately counterattack

Admittedly, this time shooting is no longer permitted in the middle of the day, but according to this new authorisation it may last until 10am, which means three and a half hours more of traumatic detonations than the usual scare operations. The administration, completely insensitive, does not even take into consideration the case of mothers and their cubs who these attacks could separate. They are already in constant danger, like Caramelles who was killed by hunters.

The Prefecture of Ariège is stepping up its attacks to torment bears: it makes no secret of the pain it deliberately inflicts on them, like in the case of Barny. Every summer, we are there to challenge its scaring orders against animals that eight out of ten French people consider to play a key role in ecosystems (Ipsos/One Voice survey, November 2024).

We will therefore be present at the Administrative Court in Toulouse on Tuesday 29 July at 3pm to speak out on behalf of the bears and request the suspension of the planned scare shotings in the summer pasture of the Arreau pastoral unit until 1 August. Sign up to defend them with us.

Hunting safety: repeated accidents, when will real measures be taken?

Hunting safety: repeated accidents, when will real measures be taken?
24.07.2025
France
Hunting safety: repeated accidents, when will real measures be taken?
Wildlife

The report of the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) is worrying. For the 2024-2025 season, an increase in the number of accidents and incidents has been observed compared with previous years. Hunting amounts to killing wild animals, and injuring -sometimes very seriously- walkers and their four-legged companions. A great deal of material damage has also been reported. One Voice is more committed than ever to banning this outdated and deadly activity.

A spectacular rise in accidents… and deaths

The 2024-2025 season was marked by a record number of deaths: in addition to the tens of millions of animals killed, eleven people lost their lives, more than twice as many as in previous years. Out of nearly one hundred accidents, sixteen involved non-hunters. And even in the home, there are risks. The most striking increase concerned pets: fifty of them were targeted, sometimes deliberately, as in the case of Aslan, a dog shot at point-blank range by a hunter, against whom we have lodged a complaint.

These armed men are privatizing nature and, as always, it’s the silent majority who have to adapt to their hobby. How many walkers cut short their outings in the countryside under pressure from a visible and influential minority? In 2023, we took the matter to court to get the government to assume its responsibilities. To date, the response has been woefully inadequate. 

An anachronistic and archaic pastime that must end

Hunting in all its forms – whether with hounds, by digging up badgers, slaughtering foxes or killing birds using traditional methods – is neither legitimate nor justified. Yet it enjoys the unfailing support of the prefects, who do not hesitate to use unfair maneuvers by publishing their decrees after the operations have begun to prevent us from attacking them.

With just a few weeks to go before the opening of the 2025-26 season, we are calling for the mobilization of all citizens to demand the immediate adoption of radical measures, including:

• a ban on hunting on Sundays, public holidays and during school vacations;
• a strict ban on hunting under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• tighter control on hunters’ physical fitness;
• reinforcing the hunting license examination (which is a complete farce);
• a ban on the use of certain weapons and ammunition.

In the meantime, call on the authorities and sign up to demand radical measures in response to this worrying situation.

Fish crammed together and an endangered environment: no to the expansion of the Aquafrais fish farm

Fish crammed together and an endangered environment: no to the expansion of the Aquafrais fish farm
23.07.2025
Alpes-Maritimes
Fish crammed together and an endangered environment: no to the expansion of the Aquafrais fish farm
Animaux sauvages

The silent suffering of sea bream in fish pens. This is what is revealed by our images of the fish farm run by the Cannes-based company Aquafrais which has been “producing” fish for over thirty years. In July 2023, the prefecture gave the green light to its subsidiary Azur Fish to set up a new sea bream and sea bass farm off the coast of Golfe-Juan. This will double the company’s production and the number of animals falling victim to its greed, while damaging precious natural areas. We oppose this destructive project and support the appeal that has been lodged!

Fish suffering in pens

Aquafrais’ plan is simple: to close some of its small farms in Cap d’Antibes and Théoule-sur-Mer and add a new sea bass and sea bream farm to its operations, which would cover no less than 24,000 square metres, or the equivalent of three football pitches. This is a huge expansion for this fish farm which already “produces” 600 tonnes of fish per year. Twice as many fish will now pass through its hands.

Although the company prides itself on working “sustainably, letting nature take its course”, it’s a safe bet that the version of the fish it catches at sea, fresh out of the egg, would be quite different… Transported by boat to their “production” site, they are then confined in aquatic enclosures with 40 to 50 fish per cubic metre. There they remain for three years, suffering from stress, parasites, disease and even depression. Once they reach adult size, they are taken out of the water using nets to be killed on the spot before being sent “fresh” to the four corners of France…

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Wildlife and flora under threat

As if the exploitation of these individuals were not enough, it also had to be established within the Natura 2000 site ‘Baie et Cap d’Antibes – Îles de Lérins’ and close to two marine areas of special interest for ecology, fauna and flora (ZNIEFF).

It is on this extremely rich coastline, home to numerous Posidonia plants, a flowering marine plant classified as a protected species, that the captive sea bream and sea bass will dump their waste… and with it all the drug molecules they will have been forced to ingest. Between this pollution and the risk of crossbreeding with wild sea bream, this is definitely a fine example of respect for nature!

A project that runs counter to all progress

With big money as their only horizon, the authorities have no intention of stopping there. In its program “Aquaculture for the Future 2021-2027”, the government plans to double the national production of sea bream and sea bass. There is no concern for the suffering of farmed fish. Nor for all those caught in the wild to be processed into fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) to feed the former. Nor even for the humans in FMFO-producing regions, who are seeing the wild fish on which their diet depends disappear at an alarming rate, as is the case in West Africa.

And the worst is yet to come! With global warming, new pathogenic bacteria will develop, causing disease in aquaculture farms and thus an ever-increasing use of antibiotics. With the government, it’s always the same thing: when we’re heading straight for the wall, we speed up even more!

We support the request lodged by former MEP Caroline Roose against the expansion of Aquafrais’ activities, and we are ready to participate in the appeal if it is rejected by the administrative court. For the sake of fish and a sustainable future for all, we are calling for a strict and transparent control of existing fish farms, their prohibition in the vicinity of sensitive natural areas, and above all, a definitive ban on all new fish farms.

Take action by sharing our leaflet on the subject and signing the petition against factory fish farms!

Unfair tactics by the prefecture and relentless persecution of bears in Ariège: One Voice fights back

Unfair tactics by the prefecture and relentless persecution of bears in Ariège: One Voice fights back
22.07.2025
Ariège
Unfair tactics by the prefecture and relentless persecution of bears in Ariège: One Voice fights back
Animaux sauvages

In mid-July, within a few days, the Prefecture of Ariège signed four orders for scare shooting against bears in the summer pastures of the Arreau and Taus Espugues Pastoral Groupings (GP)… before waiting until the last moment to publish them. This is a common ploy by the authorities in this region, who are relentless in their persecution of bears and systematically block any attempts to defend these animals. One Voice is fighting back and has filed a petition for protection of fundamental liberties. The hearing will take place on 23 July at the Administrative Court in Toulouse with the aim of saving the individuals targeted by these shootings between 21 and 25 July.

On 15 July, the Prefecture of Ariège signed three orders for scare shootings concerning the summer pastures of the Arreau and Taus Espugues GP… allegedly published the same day. The reality is quite different, since the texts were only posted on its website on Friday 18 July, just before the courts closed for the weekend… and just as the scare shootings were ending after having terrorised the bears for the third consecutive day! The Prefecture deliberately prevented us from taking action against these outrageous measures by publishing the texts authorising the scare shooting only after it had ended. But it didn’t stop there! On Saturday 19 July, it once again took advantage of the weekend to give its green light to new scare measures on the Arreau summer pasture.

Constant harassment, even in the daytime…

On Monday 21 July from 5.30am to 9.30pm, and then every day at the same times until Friday 25 July, bears will be subjected to double-detonation shots with the aim of scaring them away… even though they have nowhere to go. Worse still, these operations, like the previous ones, are taking place in broad daylight, shamelessly flouting the ministerial decree governing scare shooting.

… and this is nothing new

We are not surprised: for years, the Prefecture of Ariège has stopped at nothing to torment the bears. In 2022, we managed to suspend nine prefectural orders concerning seven summer pastures. The following year, the authorities began to obstruct our work with last-minute publications. Once again, we responded, suspending five texts thanks to our petitions for protection of fundamental liberties. Unconcerned by the court decisions, the Prefecture has since continued its machinations, harassing the bears with gunshots, firing plastic bullets at the bear Barny to hurt him… not to mention the individuals killed illegally, such as Caramelles.

The Prefecture of Haute-Garonne is not to be outdone; in early July, it published a decree authorising scare shootings in the summer pastures of the Sengouagnet town council… the day before they were to be implemented. We immediately filed a request for interim relief, but the administrative court rejected it without even granting us a hearing. There is still a huge amount of awareness-raising work to be done before justice is on the side of bears, whose population in the Pyrenees has still not reached its viability threshold, even though nearly nine out of ten French people believe that these animals have their rightful place in nature (Ipsos/One Voice survey, November 2024).

In response to the shameful actions of the Prefecture of Ariège, we will be present at the Administrative Court in Toulouse on 23 July at 11am to seek an urgent suspension of the scare shootings still targeting bears on the Arreau GP summer pasture until 25 July. Sign up to defend them alongside us.