Parliament has approved changes to Switzerland’s hunting law under which wolves can be culled preventively if they are deemed to pose a threat to livestock.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday ironed out remaining differences and adopted the changes. By 104 votes to 84, it agreed with the Senate on who should define the principles governing the protection of flocks. This will be the responsibility of the federal government in consultation with the cantons.
Current legislation only allows for the regulation of the wolf after it has attacked a certain number of animals. During the debates, many right-wing politicians pointed out the increasing danger that wolves pose to livestock but also for humans.
Switzerland currently has some 180 wolves and at least 20 packs. It is estimated that their population could double in three years.
The revised law provides that the culling of packs or parts of packs will be permitted where agriculture is threatened. Game wardens will also be able to shoot wolves that approach inhabited areas and humans in a threatening manner, or against which flock protection measures are ineffective.
The cantons will no longer have to prove the extent of damage but will have to justify the control measures and their objectives. They will have to obtain the approval of the Federal Office for the Environment before culling wolves. Shooting to regulate the wolf will be authorized from September 1 to January 31.
More
More
Demographics
More than 1,000 wolf attacks expected this year
This content was published on
The number of deadly attacks on livestock by wolves is expected to surpass 1,000 this year, says a Swiss wildlife group.
Working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being, says Swiss study
This content was published on
A study by the University of Bern shows that working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being and particularly affects women.
Safra Sarasin private bank and former asset manager sentenced
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has fined private bank J. Safra Sarasin CHF3.5 million for aggravated money laundering. A former bank employee received a six-month suspended prison sentence.
JPMorgan to pay CHF270 million to settle 1MDB claims
This content was published on
JPMorgan Chase has agreed to pay CHF270 million to the Malaysian government to settle all issues related to its role in the 1MDB financial scandal.
Famine confirmed in Gaza for first time, says UN-backed report
This content was published on
Famine has been declared in a northern part of the Gaza Strip, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system.
Zurich Airport ground handling staff to strike on Friday
This content was published on
Ground handling staff at Zurich Airport have announced a strike for Friday afternoon. According to a union, 200 jobs are at risk.
This content was published on
Philippe Lazzarini will step down as head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) at the end of his term in March, he announced on Thursday.
Swiss government predicts CHF845 million budget deficit in 2026
This content was published on
The Federal Council published its 2026 budget proposal on Thursday: a projected deficit of CHF845 million francs ($1 billion).
This content was published on
The Gösgen nuclear power plant in northwestern Switzerland will be out of service for six months. It has not been connected to the grid since late May.
Swiss authorities and firms agree to cut sugar in cereals, yoghurts and drinks
This content was published on
Cereals, yoghurts and drinks in Switzerland will contain less sugar by 2028. The Swiss government and 21 companies renewed the so-called Milan Declaration in Bern on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Wolves to be hunted more easily in Switzerland
This content was published on
The Swiss government wants to ease restrictions for culling the growing number of wolves living notably in alpine regions of the country.
This content was published on
The number of wolves in the Swiss Alps will continue to grow even if hunting regulations were to be eased according to experts.
Spate of wolf attacks on Swiss livestock prompts backlash
This content was published on
Wolves have killed livestock in the south and east of the country in a series of separate attacks prompting calls for their extermination.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.