EU Parliament backs rule changes to allow culling of wolves

Strasbourg, France – The European Parliament voted on Thursday to lower the protection status of the wolf to allow European Union countries to cull the animals more easily.

The plans were backed by 371 EU lawmakers, while 162 voted against and 37 abstained.

EU countries still have to give their approval before the protection status of the wolf can be changed from “strictly protected” to “protected”.

Until now, wolves have been highly protected in Europe. In some regions, however, people have questioned whether the status quo is still justified as the number of wolves grows.

Having been extinct in large parts of Europe until the 1960s, there are currently around 20,000 wolves in the EU, according to the European Commission.

The wolf’s comeback in Europe however is highly controversial.

Under EU law, “strictly protected” species receive the highest level of protection, meaning EU countries must prohibit all forms of deliberate capture or killing, as well as deterioration or destruction of breeding or resting sites.

Local authorities may still take action in the case of conflicts with rural communities and farmers, including shooting wolves.

Hunting of “protected” species can be authorised if it takes into account the conservation of the population.

While some EU countries, including Germany and France, and farmers’ associations have called for culling to be made easier, nature conservation groups are campaigning for different approaches, such as better herd surveillance, fences and more guard dogs. (May 8)