Wolves in utmost danger: a draft decree reducing their protection unveiled
The draft ministerial decree on wolves marks a dramatic turning point for these animals: shooting them will become easier than ever –in many cases, a simple declaration will suffice– while measures to protect livestock will no longer even be mandatory. A massacre is on the cards to satisfy the demands of agricultural lobbies and hunters who have only one thing on their minds: the outright eradication of every wolf in France. Faced with this unprecedented assault, it is time for a widespread and massive mobilisation: until 19 December, take part in the public consultation to say no to this historic setback!
Wolves removed from the list of protected species: the great regression continues
The draft decree begins with a shocking announcement: wolves are purely and simply removed from the list of protected mammals in France. Instead, the government is trying to build a scheme out of thin air which pursues the clear objective of making culling ever easier and contains worrying legal uncertainty about the penalties incurred for poaching.
The text does formally maintain a general ban on killing, capturing or disturbing wolves, but the exemptions are so broad and so easy to obtain that they will become the norm. This draft is only one step, and we know where it will lead: to wolves becoming huntable. The government is not saying so, but the administrative machinery is in motion, and the agricultural and hunting lobbies are throwing their weight behind it. Only a massive mobilisation will defeat their nightmarish project.
Lethal shooting without herd protection: an intolerable shift
For most herds, the text now authorises lethal shooting in the absence of any protective measures. No more need for guard dogs. No more need for fences. No more need for guards. Nothing. In other words, farmers will be able to kill wolves in the name of defending a herd… that they have not even made the effort to protect.
The state is compensating for the lack of protection by offering the rifle as the default solution. This is a historic break with the principle of protecting endangered species… but one that nevertheless led to the killing of nearly 200 individuals each year. From now on, the first step is to shoot, and then perhaps protect, or perhaps not. This is a total reversal and an unprecedented act of violence against the wildlife of our country.
This draft decree paves the way for the mass slaughter of wolves and constitutes a serious break with any ethic of coexistence. We cannot allow such a setback for wild animals to happen. The heritage of future generations is at stake. Until 19 December, take part in the consultation to oppose the massacre of wolves, and sign our petition. If the decree is published as it stands, we will take legal action against it.