Wolf culling in Trentino: appeal from animal rights associations
The recent decisions regarding the culling of wolves in Trentino have sparked strong reactions from animal welfare organizations, including LEAL, LEIDAA, and OIPA. These groups have filed a precautionary appeal with the Regional Administrative Court of Trento against a decree signed by the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Maurizio Fugatti, which authorizes the killing of two wolves in the Lessinia area. According to the organizations, this measure threatens the survival of a species that is protected at the European level and disregards the recommendations of ISPRA, which has emphasized that culling does not resolve the issue of predation on livestock.
The organizations further argue that the decision to cull wolves is a result of poor land management and reiterate that there are alternative methods to lethal solutions. In particular, they highlight that rules for peaceful coexistence between wildlife and agricultural activities have been effective in other situations. The criticisms raised by these organizations also underscore the risk that such measures could lead to new infringement procedures against Italy regarding the management of large carnivores.
