PS: Wolf Hunting May Be Illegal Due to Confusing Legal Regulations

Bratislava, January 7 (TASR) - The hunting of wolves could be illegal, as the legal regulations are confusing, stated House agriculture and environmental committee vice-chair Tamara Stohlova (PS) at a press conference on Tuesday, adding that there is already a suspicion that wolves are being hunted in protected areas. Stohlova stated that in order for wolf hunting to be allowed, three regulations needed to be amended and harmonised, as they define the areas where wolf hunting is legal. This, however, according to her, wasn't carried out in the end. The MP also criticised a map published by the Environment Ministry that outlines where wolf hunting is permitted, stating that it's inaccurate and faulty. Stohlova noted that a hunter who carries out a cull based on the incorrect map could face administrative proceedings and the risk of having their firearm licence revoked for the offence. She therefore called on Environment Ministry State Secretary Filip Kuffa to stop encouraging hunters from engaging in potentially illegal activities and urged the Slovak Hunting Chamber to inform its members of the possible consequences. A new decree allowing wolf hunting in Slovakia came into effect on January 1, with hunting permitted until January 15 in the 2025 season, and a quota of 74 wolves set for this season by the Agriculture Ministry. lin/df