Wolf shot dead in Drenthe province – Northern Times

Early in the morning of July 9, a hobby farmer was attacked while trying to protect his livestock from wolves.The man was rushed to hospital and eventually died discharged from the hospital He suffered minor injuries but is recovering at home.

The mayor of Westerwald, Riks Jaeger, who has jurisdiction over Vapse, has formally ordered the shooting of the wolf. death Because it was considered dangerous to others.

This is the first time a wolf has attacked a human since the animal was reintroduced into the country around 2018.

Mayor and farmer could be charged with killing wolf

the decision to kill an animal criticized According to Wildlife Conservation Organization Dutch Times. faunabe shaming, An organization focused on protecting Dutch wildlife is taking legal action against the farmers and the mayor of Jaeger. website.

In a statement on its website, Faunabe Shaming, based on reports that farmers used rakes and shovels to drive wolves off their farms, said this was “not an attack from wolves to humans, but from humans.” attack on wolves”.

“Those who are unwise enough to attack a predator with a pitchfork and shovel can expect the animal to feel threatened and be able to defend itself,” the researchers said.

protocol

They also believe Mayor Yeager did not follow correct procedures when it came to dealing with wolves, especially since the wolf was reportedly found hiding under a solar panel before being shot.

“There was no procedure followed to determine if a wolf had attacked a person and had to be killed. The mayor had no right to order anyone to shoot a wolf. The police knew it.” I should have checked before firing.”

“Only one choice”

in a comment to RTL News, Mayor Yeager said, “We tried to call an expert, but it didn’t work out too quickly. We consulted it as much as the expertise was available. But together, we have only one option. I came to the conclusion that

Although the Dutch authorities allow Use of paintball Wolves are still protected animals under the Bern Convention to scare them away. Wolves are shot only in extreme circumstances.

What can farmers do?

Despite the accusations, the incident raised questions about what farmers should do to keep their livestock from being killed. The farmer who was attacked had taken all necessary precautions, such as putting up fences around his sheep to keep out wolves, but it wasn’t enough.

Farmers have so far very loud the lack of support they receive from wolves, fence And compensation for dead livestock is not enough to cover the losses they have suffered.

This is a safety issue rather than an economic issue. They are rapidly invading places that wolves shouldn’t enter, and even the special fences don’t seem to be able to stop them.

the wolf is back

Since their reintroduction, wolves have become a major threat to large numbers of livestock, especially in the north of the country. 2022 aloneGroningen, Drenthe and Friesland, nearly 500 sheep were killed by wolves despite the introduction. Wolf fencing. It seems that it is only a matter of time before an accident occurs due to frequent attacks on livestock.

with Steady increase in attacks on livestock by wolvesand the first human injury caused by this animal, only time will tell how the Dutch learn to live with their new furry companions, which are growing in population year by year.