Executive Summary
On June 24, 2026, the Federal Council proposes amendments to the Hunting Law to implement two parliamentary motions. In the future, wolves that belong to a pack and repeatedly attack livestock or endanger humans should be permitted to be shot year-round – even between February and May and in federal game reserves. Until now, wolves that are pack members have been completely protected during these periods and in protected areas, except when there is an immediate threat to human life. The consultation period runs until October 16, 2026.
People
- Friedli (Motion sponsor, Motion 25.3715)
- Broulis (Motion sponsor, Motion 25.3549)
Topics
- Wolf management
- Herd protection
- Hunting legislation
- Nature conservation
Clarus Lead
The relaxation responds to a regulatory deadlock: while flocks of sheep and livestock are practically defenseless in sensitive months and protected areas, authorities cannot intervene against problem wolves. Parliament had deemed this situation untenable in 2025 and called on the Federal Council to act. The revision signals a shift in emphasis away from strict species protection toward a pragmatic balance between wolf presence and livestock interests – a conflict-ridden field between conservation organizations and agricultural associations.
Detailed Summary
The current Hunting Law provides complete protection for wolves that are part of a pack between February 1 and May 31, as this period corresponds to breeding season. Exceptions exist only in cases of severe and immediately imminent danger to humans – but not in cases of repeated attacks on livestock. This regulation leads to practical inability to act in regions with established wolf packs during spring, when herds are particularly vulnerable. In parallel, federal game reserves have an absolute ban on shooting wolves as a protected species, even if they systematically evade herd protection measures.
Parliament has addressed this regulatory gap through two motions: Motion 25.3715 (Friedli) explicitly demands culling in game reserves, Motion 25.3549 (Broulis) targets problem wolves in packs. The Federal Council implements both by enabling year-round shooting provided it is demonstrated that a wolf repeatedly evades protection measures or endangers humans. The amendment is intended to be compatible with international species protection conventions. The consultation period begins on June 24, 2026, and ends on October 16, 2026.
Key Statements
- The Federal Council proposes year-round shooting permission for problem wolves, regardless of breeding protection and game reserves.
- Prerequisite: repeated evasion of herd protection measures or endangerment of humans.
- The revision implements two parliamentary motions from 2025 and is assessed as internationally compliant.
Critical Questions
Evidence: What data demonstrates that herd protection measures systematically fail in the affected regions? Are case numbers documented?
Causality: Is a distinction made between wolves that deliberately evade measures and those that encounter inadequately protected herds? How is "repeated attack" defined?
Conflicts of Interest: Which stakeholders (agriculture, conservation organizations, cantons) were involved in the preparation? Are their positions documented?
Feasibility: Who is responsible for identifying and culling specific wolves? What error rates are acceptable?
Alternatives: Were more intensive herd protection measures (electric fences, livestock guardian dogs) considered as prerequisites for culling?
International Compliance: Which specific conventions are cited? Are there countries with comparable regulations?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Federal Council – Hunting Law Revision: Year-Round Culling of Problem Wolves – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/JLjMDSuEm5UR9nY3tsnx3
Verification Status: ✓ 24.06.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 24.06.2026