Switzerland: Parliament decides to further tighten wolf regulations

The Swiss Parliament has decided to further tighten wolf regulations. In future, wolves that cause damage and for which a valid shooting permit has been issued may also be culled in hunting ban areas. In addition, so-called ‘problem wolves’ may be culled year-round, even if they belong to a pack. Currently, this is only permitted between June and January. On Wednesday, the National Council approved two corresponding motions; the Council of States had already endorsed them. The motions will now be submitted to the Federal Council for implementation. 

Supporters argued that the situation in alpine farming is becoming increasingly challenging and that traditional herd protection measures are reaching their limits. Critics, however, warned against further easing of the rules. They noted that wolf regulation had already been relaxed by the new hunting law and the ordinance based on it, and that strengthened herd protection measures had recently led to less damage. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti also opposed the motions, stating that year-round culling of pack wolves would contradict the Hunting Act and the Animal Welfare Act. He also stressed that the impact of the recently revised hunting law should first be evaluated. 

According to nature conservation organisations, the number of livestock killed by wolves this year has remained stable or slightly decreased, despite a modest increase in the wolf population. By the end of October, 832 farm animals had been killed across Switzerland – 37 fewer than in the previous year.