Germany moves to legalise wolf hunting in response to livestock ‘bloodlust’

Germany's lower house of parliament passed legislation to legalize wolf hunting in response to a growing wolf population and increased attacks on livestock. The law, supported by the center-right coalition and the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party, allows Germany's 16 states to permit wolf hunting from July to October in areas with high wolf density. Wolves that have attacked farm animals can be shot regardless of conservation status. The legislation follows an amendment to EU law allowing exceptions to species protection, influenced by increased wolf attacks, including one on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's pony. Farming organizations support the law, citing the deaths of approximately 4,300 farm animals in 2024, while environmental groups and left-leaning parties oppose it. The bill must still pass the Bundesrat upper house.

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