Petition against new hunting law: Wild animals under pressure in RLP!

Petition against new hunting law: Wild animals under pressure in RLP!

A recently launched petition calls for the planned amendment to the state hunting law in Rhineland-Palatinate to be stopped. Initiator Daniel Bastian, professional hunter and conservancy leader, addressed this initiative to the state parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Ministry of the Environment and the general public. The petition is also aimed at animal and nature lovers who are committed to protecting wild animals and their habitats. The appeal criticizes the planned change in the law as “unrealistic, hostile to wildlife and dangerous” and emphasizes the need to develop a practical and nature conservation-friendly alternative, which will be developed in collaboration with experts from hunting, forestry, agriculture and wildlife biology.

Bastian emphasizes that the amendment endangers the principle of respectful treatment of game, also known as hunting justice. The changes are not only a threat to wildlife, but would also lead to more stress and damage to forests and fields. Critics even fear an increase in bureaucracy and a decrease in actual maintenance. “We demand a hunting law that is based on knowledge, experience and cooperation, rather than on ideology,” said Bastian.

Legal context of the hunting law

The current legal framework for hunting in Germany is based, among other things, on the Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG) of 1976, which was last amended in 1998, and the Federal Wildlife Protection Ordinance (BWildSchV) of 1985. The State Hunting Act can look back on a long history, having come into force on February 5, 1979. Older state regulations have been replaced by the updated state hunting regulations (LJVO), which have been in force since 2013.

In Rhineland-Palatinate, the current regulations and hunting seasons are available on the website of the Ministry for the Environment, Agriculture, Food, Viticulture and Forestry. There is close cooperation with other ministries and the State Chancellery to ensure that this legislation is made available on the Internet. Those interested can find out about the applicable regulations and view the legal texts that have been officially approved.

The reactions to the petition

The petition to stop the amendment has already found many supporters from the hunting community who are committed to sustainable hunting and the protection of nature. Concerned citizens and nature lovers make it clear that a review of the planned changes is urgently needed. Bastian and his supporters hope that their voice will be heard and that a rethink will take place in the political landscape.

The topic of hunting is becoming increasingly discussed among the general public. Against the background of ecological challenges and wildlife protection, the question is how a balance can be created between the necessary wild population and the interests of farmers, hunters and conservationists. The question remains whether the petition and the associated pressure on politicians will result in a weaker version of the draft law.

Further information about the petition can be found at openpetition.de, while legal aspects of the hunting law are explained in detail at wald.rlp.de.