Reopening of the hunt: the Ministry of Ecology approves the killing of 10,560 turtle doves

Reopening of the hunt: the Ministry of Ecology approves the killing of 10,560 turtle doves
07.08.2025
France
Reopening of the hunt: the Ministry of Ecology approves the killing of 10,560 turtle doves
Animaux sauvages

After a suspension in 2024, the Ministry of Ecological Transition plans to reopen the hunt for turtle doves. Citing an improvement in their numbers, it plans to send over 10,560 individuals to their death, once again giving in to hunters. This is a real step backwards for these birds whose species is not faring well. Today, One Voice is calling for the immediate removal of turtle doves from the list of huntable species.

Efforts to protect turtle doves reduced to nothing

10,560 turtle doves are going to lose their lives to bullets. Classified as ‘vulnerable’, they have enjoyed a brief respite in recent years, following a massive campaign against hunting them, which led the Council of State to impose a complete ban. This year, the Ministry of Ecology has backtracked and approved their killing in the name of a supposed improvement in their population. This is an unacceptable step backwards and yet another example of how the State promotes this destructive practice.

The quota set is nothing more than a smokescreen. Rather than protecting sentient beings, the authorities are once again legitimising a leisure activity from another era, under the constant influence of the hunting lobby. While guns are being loaded, animal life and ecological arguments are being relegated to the background.

Yet for many years the IUCN has been warning that the pursuit of this activity during migration is one of the most significant threats facing these birds, not to mention pollution, forest fires, heat waves and massive urbanisation.

A persistent threat ignored

Turtle doves still do not have the right to live in peace. Banning shooting would be an essential measure to prevent their disappearance, but the government continues to turn a blind eye. Behind false pretexts, it authorises the slaughter of thousands of birds, sometimes using particularly cruel methods. No questions are being asked despite the less than mixed results of the European Commission’s actions to protect animals and nature as a whole.

To oppose this draft ministerial decree, we invite you to make your disapproval known before 22 August, and to sign the petition to protect endangered bird species and ban systematic slaughter!

Call to action: oppose the return of traditional lark hunting!

Call to action: oppose the return of traditional lark hunting!
05.08.2025
France
Call to action: oppose the return of traditional lark hunting!
Animaux sauvages

Once again, the government is attempting to authorise traditional lark hunting in south-western France despite systematic nullifications by the courts. The State’s disregard for animals’ rights and lives is unacceptable. Faced with the unlimited influence of the hunting lobby, we must mobilise massively against this scandal. To make our indignation heard, let’s participate by the thousands in the consultation on the draft decree that will authorise these killings and set the quotas for larks for the coming year!

Barbaric and illegal practices that the courts have been condemning for years

Hunting with nets involves nets that close violently on the larks attracted by the cries of some of their fellow birds used as decoys. The poor birds are then picked up by hand and killed one by one. This practice from another age serves no purpose other than to entertain a minority. Nothing can justify it: neither tradition nor culture. It is gratuitous suffering and death inflicted on sentient beings.

For years, at the request of One Voice and the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds), the courts have been nullifying the capture permits. Including when prefects attempt to quietly reintroduce them as part of pseudo-‘experiments’ entrusted to… hunters. All these decisions, from the Court of Justice of the European Union to the Council of State, should set a legal precedent. However, the government remains stubborn. Just when we thought they had been buried for good, the Ministry of Ecology is preparing to reauthorise these practices in four regions (Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne and Pyrénées-Atlantiques).

The government, an active accomplice of hunters

This is no longer a matter of ignorance or error, but of methodical determination. These draft decrees embody a clear desire to satisfy private interests to the detriment of animals, the French people, 83% of whom opposed them (Ipsos/One Voice poll, October 2022), the law and justice.

The government is once again betraying its role as guardian of the public interest, as it often does when the issue is protecting the environment and biodiversity. As it did a few days ago when it backed down on plans to suspend the hunting of endangered bird species, it is once again giving in to the blackmail of a vocal minority, armed with guns, who refuse to give up their most archaic practices. This political stubbornness is an insult to animals, democracy and the rule of law.

Larks should not have to die to entertain a few thrill-seeking men. Let’s demand the immediate withdrawal of these decrees! Let’s participate massively in the public consultation to say no to cruelty. And sign, so that together we can put an end to this unspeakable shame.

Rare birth of wolf cubs on the Millevaches plateau: a living treasure threatened by poaching

Rare birth of wolf cubs on the Millevaches plateau: a living treasure threatened by poaching
04.08.2025
Corrèze
Rare birth of wolf cubs on the Millevaches plateau: a living treasure threatened by poaching
Wildlife

Last May, the wolf couple Milo and Mina gave birth to four cubs on the Millevaches plateau. Their genetic heritage is unique in France. This piece of news is an exceptional opportunity for nature. But this is no time for celebration: despite their protected status, the threat of poaching looms and decrees authorizing shooting have been issued even though the breeding season is underway. One Voice has written to the prefects of the Corrèze, Nouvelle Aquitaine, Rhône, and Auvergne-Rhône Alpes regions, as well as to the prefect responsible for the wolf plan, asking them to take urgent action and demanding concrete measures to protect livestock rather than killing these parents. The association is even offering financial assistance to implement effective protection measures.

generics.video.play There is no doubt that Mina, Milo, and their cubs are in imminent danger, between the lieutenants of louveterie and pests being on the lookout and the poachers emboldened by the prefecture’s decrees to kill wolves. Their very existence bothers those who want to take over nature and “clean it up,” as they repeat ad nauseam.

We will stop at nothing to defend these wonders and our ecosystems, which wolves take such good care of. Reaching out to our opponents is not a problem when it comes to preserving our fragile common good and working to find solutions that benefit everyone. Muriel Arnal President of One Voice

An exceptional and threatened litter

According to our partner Carduelis, from whom we have obtained this information, four cubs were born to this biologically remarkable couple. The prefecture has just confirmed this in the press. Their lineage is unparalleled in our country. This is an invaluable opportunity for wolves in particular and wild animals in general.

However, this promise of renewal is already compromised. The climate of tension and the shooting authorized by the prefecture through no less than 30 decrees are jeopardizing their existence. Tonight, more than 15 decrees authorizing shooting until December (here and there) have just been adopted, adding to the previous ones. We are currently analyzing their content with a view to taking action against them if need be.

That is why this piece of news, however good it may be, had not been announced until now. This is an absurd situation, given that the law requires them to be preserved.

Mobilization in the streets of Tulle and Brive-la-Gaillarde

Faced with this emergency, committed citizens have gathered on several occasions at our call. In Tulle on March 19 and on May 14, as well as in Brive-la-Gaillarde last Thursday, activists from One Voice and its partners sought to raise awareness among the population and remind them that the presence of wolves in the area is a natural right. Through these visible actions, we denounce the inaction of public authorities who systematically choose shooting over a genuine policy of coexistence that respects all living beings, as is practiced in other countries.

A clear request, concrete support

One Voice is sending a letter to the prefects concerned to put an end to the culling as soon as possible. At the same time, the association is calling for immediate action to enable farmers to protect their herds, considering the State is supposed to provide them assistance. This is the only way to prevent illegal acts against wolves.

The lives of Milo and Mina’s cubs are a national treasure. Their protection is a collective responsibility. One Voice calls for a suspension of all shooting and for the law to be enforced in favor of a species that, today more than ever, needs our commitment. In this fight, support us so that wolves can finally be treated with respect!

Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves! Sign to end the persecution of wolves!

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.