The European Commission proposes to lower the status of the wolf from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’. This new status may mean that wolves may be chased away or shot under certain circumstances.
The committee’s decision comes at the insistence of the European Parliament. The European member states still have to vote on the proposal.
The wolf was given ‘strictly protected’ status in 1979, but since then the animal’s population in Europe has increased considerably. It is estimated that more than 20,000 wolves live within the borders of the European Union. In Drenthe there is a wolf pack in the Drenthe-Friese Wold and a pack in Central Drenthe. Several wolf packs also live on the Veluwe.
“The return of the wolf is good for biodiversity in Europe, but in some European regions the packs have become a serious danger to livestock,” said EU President Ursula von der Leyen. “To control the wolf in these areas, local authorities are asking for more flexibility.”
Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture, calls on Member States to use the funds made available by the EU for preventive measures against the wolf. “These funds are essential for livestock safety.”