Behavior tested

Automatically saved draft

(Bild: Jiri Bohdal)

New developments in the Bludenz wolf case: the Vorarlberg Provincial Administrative Court upheld the appeal by environmental organizations and the culling decision was revoked. According to the ruling, a wolf roaming through residential areas is not sufficient for immediate shooting.

The wolf that roamed through Bludenz in Vorarlberg at the end of January may not be shot. The provincial government had immediately released the animal for shooting via the district administration on the grounds that it had no business in residential areas. Two environmental organizations lodged an appeal with the Vorarlberg Provincial Administrative Court. The court announced its legally binding decision on Friday, stating that the conditions for removal (i.e. shooting) were not met. However, an appeal is still possible.

Wolf escaped into driveway
The sighting had caused a stir at the beginning of the year: a cell phone video showed a wolf running through a settlement in Bludenz and fleeing from the car from which it was filmed into a driveway. Governor Markus Wallner and Provincial Councillor Christian Gantner (both ÖVP) announced an immediate shooting permit, although the provincial wildlife biologist did not identify any danger. The BH Bludenz subsequently issued an exemption permit for the shooting in accordance with the Hunting Act in conjunction with the Hunting Ordinance. The reflex reaction of the provincial government caused criticism from the opposition as well as environmentalists and conservationists, and two environmental organizations lodged complaints against it.

Behavior of the animal was examined
The Vorarlberg Provincial Administrative Court then examined whether the animal's behavior, which was documented on video, could be considered dangerous to humans. According to the list of measures in the Hunting Ordinance, which relates various wolf behaviors to the danger to humans, the measure of "removal as quickly as possible" can be considered "if the wolf behaves aggressively towards humans without provocation (e.g. with threatening gestures or attacks) or enters inhabited buildings or stables attached to a farmstead."

Prerequisites not met
In the extensive investigation proceedings, it was concluded "that the conditions for seizure did not exist", according to the court's statement on Friday. No such conduct had been established. The decision is legally binding, but an appeal to the Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court is still possible within six weeks.

Shooting only in case of imminent danger
Since a change in the law at the end of 2023, wolves and bears can be released for shooting in Vorarlberg via an exceptional permit in the Hunting Act. This is permitted if there is an imminent danger "to the safety and health of humans or to the prevention of serious damage to livestock". The regulation has been criticized as impractical because it includes a 24-hour period before a wolf can be shot. This period is intended to ensure that the public can take a stand.