13
Sep
2023
Watch
Reviewing the protection status of wolves and other large carnivores in the EU (topical debate)
Madam President, Madam Commissioner! Unfortunately, it took quite a long time for the European Commission to believe that the wolf is really a problem in Europe and that the rules must finally be changed here. The wolf population in Europe is growing and growing rapidly. We already have over 20,000 wolves in Europe. And the same goes for the cracks of sheep or cattle through the wolf here, which are rising rapidly. Yes, it is true, there are possibilities to build herd protection fences or to use shepherd dogs. And that works well in some places. But in the same way, there are simply regions where it just doesn't work. And these are our alpine pastures, especially in the alpine area. There are really terrible pictures when you know what it looks like when a wolf has torn several sheep or cattle. Our farmers then find such suffering and dead animals on their pastures every day. And that at some point they will say: You will no longer find any animals on the alpine pastures here, this must also be understandable. Commissioner, please finally understand that there needs to be a clear rule at European level that reflects reality. And let our regions and countries decide for themselves how we deal with the wolf, which is doing really great damage here. The wolf is no longer a protected animal. In this sense: Thank you very much! I am delighted that we are now really working hard to ensure that there is a reasonable solution for all those involved here in the coming months.