The European Commission is launching an investigation into wolf hunting in the northern German state of Lower Saxony. The EU commission is initiating a so-called “pilot procedure,” preceding a potential European fine and infringement procedure. The wolf is a strictly protected species under the European Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive (FFH).
EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius states that the Germans must explain why they issued hunting permits for wolves. Some states have amended their regulations after Berlin relaxed the national nature conservation law.
In recent months, Lower Saxony has authorized the shooting of wolves three times following incidents where sheep were killed and horses and cattle were injured. According to the German hunters' association, four German states have the highest wolf density in the world.
The debate about wolves regularly flares up in Germany. The CDU Christian Democrats have even made it a point in their election program. Leading candidate Armin Laschet wants the European Union to lift the ban on wolf hunting in agricultural areas to protect grazing livestock.
In Germany, as in many other European countries, the wolf population is increasing significantly. In Austria, the Swiss Alps, eastern France, and Belgium, there are increasingly frequent reports of attacked animals in pastures. Fencing is being used in attempts to protect livestock.
Also, in the Dutch border provinces, more voices are calling for the installation of fences along pastures. According to some researchers, this can certainly help but simultaneously has adverse effects on the dispersal of other animals in nature.