Wolf Quota Hunt Proposal Sparks Debate in Brandenburg
Brandenburg's Agriculture State Secretary Gregor Beyer has sparked debate by proposing a quota hunt for wolves, estimating their population at around 2000. However, nature conservationists put the number at about 500. Farmers and shepherds, who have suffered losses from wolf attacks, oppose this plan.
Beyer's suggestion comes as farmers face increasing wolf attacks. In 2021, sheep breeder Jonas Scholz lost 18 animals to wolves, reducing his herd by a third. Despite this, Scholz opposes shooting 15 percent of the wolf population as herd protection. Instead, he proposes targeting only 'problem dogs' that breach fences and guard dogs or enter settlements, with only five such dogs shot in recent years.
Carsten Preuß of BUND supports Scholz's stance, citing the ineffectiveness of quota hunting in other countries. He notes that wolf attacks in Brandenburg decreased by 20 percent from 2023 to 2024 despite a growing wolf population. Shepherd Knut Kucznik, who has not experienced an attack but incurs costs for guard dogs, also opposes a quota hunt. He could not claim EU subsidies for his dogs due to budget delays.
EU guidelines offer a subsidy of 1200 euros per kilometer of fence. However, disagreements between Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstedt (SPD) and State Secretary Gregor Beyer (formerly FDP) on wolf management have led to delays in funding. Beyer's dismissal is reportedly imminent.
The wolf population in Brandenburg remains a contentious issue. While State Secretary Beyer advocates for a quota hunt, farmers and conservationists propose alternative measures. Both sides agree that sufficient funding for protective fences and guard dogs is crucial. The future of Brandenburg's wolf management hangs in the balance as the Agriculture Minister and State Secretary hold differing views.
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