NEWS ABOUT THE KILLING OF THE M90 BEAR, WORTH CALLED “SONNY”, HAS DEEPLY SHOCKED PUBLIC OPINION. THE ASSOCIATION EARTH ODV, DEDICATED TO THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND RECOGNIZED BY THE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, HAS SENT AN URGENT LETTER TO THE MINISTER GILBERTO PICHETTO FRATIN, ASKING FOR AGREED ON A TECHNICAL TABLE ON LARGE CARNIVORS. Meanwhile, Italy ends up in sight and risk of sanctions from Europe for violating community guidelines regarding hunting activities
After Sonny’s murder, animal rights groups are once again on the offensive
L‘kill of the bear Sonlast February 6, 2024, following the regulation signed by the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento Maurizio Fugattikicked off a series of initiatives by animal rights activists.
In particular the Association EARTH Odvtook the opportunity to ask the minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin to convene a new meeting focused on the fate of plantigrades: mammals valuable for biodiversity.
A first meeting took place at the Ministry of the Environment on April 26, 2023. For the occasion, several associations had made concrete proposals for an ethical and respectful management of bears, capable of reconciling animal welfare with the safety of citizens.
Then… cosmic nothing.
Despite promises of further meetings, nothing has actually been organised, creating a vacuum of action and dialogue.
EARTH Odv’s request
«The killing of the M90 bear is not only a tragic loss for the species and for biodiversity conservation“, explains Valentina Coppolachairman of AARDE.
«It also represents an unequivocal signal of the urgency of reviewing management and protection strategies of wild species. It is essential that the associations involved continue their work with the Minister of the Environment to find concrete and sustainable solutions to protect bears and other large carnivores.
In the province of Trento, a strategy is being implemented that appears to ignore the laws and guarantees of administrative justice», conclude EARTH.
As a result: “we ask Minister Pichetto Fratin to convene a new meeting of the technical table as soon as possible, to continue the work started and ensure that the commitment of the associations does not remain unfulfilled». But it’s not just activists who are outraged. Italy’s attitude has landed in the crosshairs of the European Commission.
Europe accuses Italy of hunting activities that do not respect European guidelines
The European Commission decided to open one infringement proceedings against Italyon hunting and on the use of lead in ammunition, highlighting non-compliance Birds Directive He is born in Reach regulations in the recent changes in Italian hunting legislation.
To make it known, l‘International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA)that has been fighting for the protection of animals for years.
Our country has two months to respond to the allegations and remedy the shortcomings mentioned. However, if the response is not satisfactory, the EU may issue a reasoned opinion, which could lead to legal consequences and high fines.
Europe bans violators
The infringement procedure is based on the Commission’s comments on Italian hunting legislation, in particular the legislationbudget law n. 197/2022and from the reports received via the pilot procedure.
We are talking about a cooperation mechanism between the Member States and the European Commission, aimed at examining issues related to the conformity of national legislation with European Union law or its correct application.
In short, a procedure aimed at guaranteeing a uniform and coherent application of Community law.
In particular, the focus is on the ban on lead ammunition in wetlands, a provision circumvented by the joint ministerial decision Pichetto Fratin e Lollobrigida and from Declare assetsThat they have allowed hunting activities even in areas where it is prohibited.
The European Union’s complaints are not limited to the use of ammunition, but also concern other hunting practices, such as hunting during prohibited periods, in protected areas and in other environmentally sensitive contexts.
Italy attacked at several points
In addition to the controversies over lead ammunition in wetlands, l‘The European research extends to various other aspects, including hunting calendars, l‘culling of species in the state “negative conservation”, i.e. in decline, hunting during pre-reproductive migration and the fight against poaching. All critical points for which a‘urgent attention and a‘immediate corrective action by the Italian authorities.
«L‘the entire Italian hunting system, which does not respect European guidelines, is accused», underline of‘OIPA with concern. «It is necessary that government and parliament stop Bruzzone (Lega) bill, which aggravates the disputed matters and brings into line Italian legislation on the protection of birds and wild animals». «We hope that the ministers will start working on the matter as soon as possible. The rules that are turning Italy into a Wild West need to be revised immediately where hunters can intervene anytime, anywhere, even in parks and urban areas».
OIPA expresses solidarity with journalist Silvia di Tocco: after Sonny’s murder she says no to interviews about sustainable mobility
Meanwhile, OIPA joins the cause of the Rai journalist, Silvia di Toccowhich found itself in the eye of the storm because it refused to promote interviews about sustainable mobility at the site where Sonny’s murder took place.
The Association urged Rai to respect the right of conscience of its employees.
«We appreciate the courage and intellectual freedom of Silvia Di Tocco and hope that the proceedings against her will be withdrawn immediately. Anyone who loves and respects animals is with her».