Controversy Erupts over Hunting Law Amendment in Rhineland-Palatinate's Landtag
Persistent criticism continues to rise against the implementation of the hunting law - Persisting Controversy Surrounds the Game Hunting Regulations
The Landtag of Rhineland-Palatinate has found itself embroiled in a heated debate over the proposed amendment to the Hunting Law. The opposition has accused Environment Minister Katrin Eder (Greens) of rushing the bill through before the summer break, following over two years of discussions.
Protest March: "Save our Forest, Save our Wild"
Dozens of hunters gathered in front of the Landtag, under the banner "FoxDevilWild." While the Ecological Hunting Association applauded the bill, the protesting hunters believed it unfairly targeted them, acting as a scapegoat for forestry issues.
Eder Defends Compromise
Minister Eder justified the bill as a compromise, stemming from four years of negotiations. The new law is geared towards striking a balance between competing interests, prioritizing the health of our forests over economic factors. The aim is to create a conducive environment for saplings to thrive.
The bill includes measures to adjust hunting practices to address climate change, with a stronger focus on forest renewal. Animal welfare will also be prioritized in the revised law.
Expert Opinions revisited
The law, set to take effect in the 2027 hunting season, will be subject to expert review, with a decision to be made on a special Landtag committee, scheduled for this Friday.
Diverse Perspectives
The FDP's parliamentary business manager, Marco Weber, acknowledged the proficient crafting of the draft but reported inconsistencies in shooting quotas in his region. Weber, who is also a forest owner, emphasized the economic importance of healthy forests in Rhineland-Palatinate.
SPD MP Nico Steinbach highlighted the deteriorating state of our forests and expressed support for the new law's focus on sustainability and forest preservation as a guarantee for future growth.
CDU MP Horst Gies criticized the divisive approach taken by Minister Eder, who he felt alienated different interest groups. The opposition only received the bill shortly before the Landtag session, adding to the contentious atmosphere.
AfD and Free Voters Speak Out
The AfD's Ralf Schönenborn labeled the draft as unacceptable, plagued with distrust. Helge Schwab of the Free Voters echoed the concerns of the hunting community, questioning the use of climate protection as justification for the amendments.
Satisfaction and Criticism
The protesting hunters lamented the devaluation of hunting and game in light of the law revision and the unfair burden of forest conversion they must bear.
While Chairman of the Ecological Hunting Association, Thomas Boschen recognized room for improvement, he indicated satisfaction with the proposed modernization, particularly the improvements in animal protection during dog training and trap hunting, the abandonment of lead ammunition, and the requirements for safe and accurate weapons handling. He also welcomed the establishment of standards for hunting in urban areas and viewed the amendment as supportive of long-term forest restoration efforts.
- Landtag
- Hunting Law Amendment
- Hunting
- Hunters
- Eder
- Forests
- Controversy
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- SPD
- Steinbach
- The Landtag of Rhineland-Palatinate has found itself amidst a contentious debate over the amendment to the Hunting Law, with Environment Minister Katrin Eder (Greens) facing criticism for rushing the bill through before the summer break.
- Dozens of hunters congregated in front of the Landtag, participating in a protest march under the banner "FoxDevilWild," contending that the proposed amendment unfairly targets them and acts as a scapegoat for forestry issues.
- Despite the opposition's claims, Minister Eder has defended the bill as a compromise, stemming from four years of negotiations, and geared towards striking a balance between competing interests, prioritizing the health of our forests over economic factors.
- The new law aims to address climate change by adjusting hunting practices and prioritizing forest renewal, while also focusing on animal welfare in the revised law.
- The bill is set for review by experts and a special Landtag committee this Friday, with varied perspectives on the bill emerging from political parties such as the FDP, SPD, CDU, AfD, and Free Voters.
- Members of the FDP, SPD, and CDU have expressed diverse opinions on the bill, with some acknowledging its positive aspects while others have raised concerns about specific provisions like shooting quotas and the divisive approach taken by Minister Eder.
- Opponents of the amendment, including the protesting hunters, the AfD, and Free Voters, have criticized the bill, raising questions about the use of climate protection as justification for the changes and expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived unfair burden on hunters for forest conversion.
