THE MONTH OF OCTOBER REPRESENTS A TRAGIC MOMENT FOR THE FAUNA OF ABRUZZO. AS WELL AS 469 DEER, SYMBOLS OF THE MOUNTAIN PASTURES OF THE APPENNINES, WERE SENTENCED TO DEATH FOLLOWING A CONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. HOWEVER, DUE TO A FORGETTING BY THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, THE NOTICES HAVE NOT YET BEEN ISSUED BY THE TERRITORIAL AREAS. THIS MISTAKE WILL ALLOW ANIMALISTS TO GAIN PRECIOUS TIME TO INTERVENTION AT THE COUNCIL OF STATE AND SAVE THE DEER. THE IMMINENT CULL, SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER, NOT ONLY THREATENS THE SURVIVAL OF THESE ANIMALS, BUT RISKS TO HAVE A DEVASTATING IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM
Deer hunting: a real one “slaughter”
It all started with the Abruzzo regional resolution, approved on 8 August 2024, which authorized the killing of 469 deer specimens in the mountain area. The regional council, led by the president Marcus Marsiliohad justified the measure with two main reasons: the need to contain damage to agriculture and to reduce the risk of road accidents caused by the increase in deer populations. Furthermore, the president had specified that the planned number of killings would be controlled and limited to the most problematic areas, outside protected areas.
Reassurances aside, the decision had obviously sparked a hornet’s nest of controversy, not only among environmentalists, but also among citizens across the peninsula and some political sectors.
The collection of signatures and popular mobilization against the slaughter of deer
At a national level, over 134 thousand citizens have signed one petition online to ask for the suspension of hunting, joining the protests of numerous environmental associations such as WWF Italia, LAV e LNDC Animal Protection.
These organizations have denounced the plan as a “slaughter” and stressed that there are more ethical and sustainable solutions, such as the creation of ecological corridors to encourage the natural movement of deer and non-violent population control. The collection of signatures also saw the support of prominent figures from the world of culture and entertainment, who openly spoke out against the regional resolution, thus contributing to giving national visibility to the issue
The rejection of the Abruzzo TAR and the ecological impact
Despite intense public opposition, the Abruzzo TAR rejected the environmental associations’ appeal on 9 October 2024, giving the green light to the planned felling. The Administrative Court considered the resolution legitimate, underlining the importance of intervening for safety and agriculture.
He also stated that there was no risk of extinction for the species. This represented a severe blow for the associations who were hoping for an immediate suspension of the measure.
The impact on wildlife and the environment
According to environmental and animal rights associations, the culling of 469 deer represents a measure that could have profound consequences on the region’s ecosystem. The red deer (Cervus elaphus), which lives in the vast mountain pastures and forests of National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Moliseactively contributes to the maintenance of natural balances.
By grazing on grasses, shrubs and other undergrowth plants, these mammals actively contribute to the vegetation regulation. In particular, they prevent the excessive growth of some plant species which, in the absence of natural control, would tend to dominate the environment, suffocating other less competitive plants. This natural selection promotes greater diversification of the flora and creates ideal conditions for the growth of new species, thus favoring a richer and more complex ecosystem.
Their action is not limited only to maintaining a balanced plant cover, prevents also the expansion of invasive species, which otherwise could threaten the stability of the habitat.
In particular, they play an essential role within the food chain, contributing to maintaining balance between predators and prey. In addition to their ecological value, these ungulates are also an important resource for nature tourism, a key sector for the sustainable development of the region, which attracts visitors interested in the beauty of the landscapes and local fauna. Now, however, their fate hangs by a thread.
The fight continues: the future of the deer in Abruzzo
The animal rights associations, despite the temporary defeat, do not intend to give up. «We are considering whether to appeal to the Council of State, we cannot tolerate the animals being handed over to the hunters’ lead.” said spokespeople for LAV, LNDC and WWF. The battle to save deer continues and, with it, the hope of being able to promote a more sustainable wildlife management model, which protects biodiversity and guarantees respect for all forms of life.
A call to responsibility: let’s say no to slaughter!
The case of deer hunting in Abruzzo raises profound questions about the management of natural resources and our relationship with the environment. In an era in which the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity are increasingly urgent issues, it is necessary to rethink wildlife management policies. Hunting cannot be seen as the automatic solution to the problems created by the interaction between man and nature.
The natural richness of Abruzzo, which includes a vast range of species, such as the Marsican bear, the Apennine wolf, the Abruzzo chamois, as well as obviously the protagonist of our story, the deer, deserves careful and far-sighted protection, that favors sustainable solutions in harmony with nature, rather than the elimination of one of its most precious components.
Latest updates: rifles stopped at the last minute:
Meanwhile, animal rights associations let it be known that the execution of the deer has been postponed until November, since there are no territorial notices.
This was communicated by the vice-president of the Abruzzo council Emanuele Imprudente.
«We welcome with satisfaction the communication of this “forgetfulness” of the Abruzzo administration – he declared Massimo Vitturiwildlife area manager of LAV -, even if the slaughter of deer wanted by the Marsilio Council is only postponed. However, we are awaiting the ruling from the Council of State, which could give a further boost to the resolution intended exclusively to satisfy the requests of hunters”.
The deer massacre is currently only postponed but it buys us time to find solutions that can save 469 lives, including 140 cubs still dependent on their mothers.