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Omroep Gelderland
NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 12:12
The province of Gelderland can shoot paint at a wolf that is exhibiting problematic behavior, the court in the Netherlands has ruled.
The province was rejected twice by the court because the plan was “poorly justified.” But after research by a wolf behavior expert, the province is now allowed to use the paintball gun, the court ruled.
The plan to shoot a wolf with paint balls came about in De Hoge Veluwe National Park. According to those responsible and the province, there was at least one wolf running around there that was exhibiting problematic behavior and could be dangerous to humans. The administrators wanted to scare the wolf with a paintball gun, but Faunabescherming objected and also initiated several lawsuits.
Animal protection pointed out that the wolf is strictly protected throughout the EU and should therefore not be disturbed in any way. The province also allegedly did not consult an independent wolf expert or determine whether a problem wolf was present. Possible alternatives to the paintball gun have not been sufficiently investigated, says Faunabescherming.
Naughty she-wolf
The court twice followed Faunabescherming’s argument, but the province has now spoken to an expert in wolf behavior. He observed a wolf fourteen times in De Hoge Veluwe Park and came to the conclusion that there were one or more wolves running around there that were exhibiting deviant behavior. For example, you can see a she-wolf who allows herself to be approached by photographers, but also tracks down cyclists and walkers herself and becomes increasingly courageous. According to the expert, the animal could even bite, posing a serious threat to public safety.
The court agrees with the province that deterrence with a paintball gun is the best option. Positive experiences have been made abroad and alternatives do not work or are unsafe. “Deterring the wolf by hitting and/or screaming is too mild and has a short-term effect. Pepper spray can cause eye damage,” the court said in its ruling. If the paintball gun is used correctly and not aimed at the eyes, it is safe.
Omroep Gelderland now reports that the she-wolf the expert is referring to is probably no longer alive. It is believed the animal was found dead late last year.
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