Austrian Court Rules Against Forced Chamois Culling in Key Legal Decision

Vienna, Austria, October 2024 – The Austrian Administrative Court (VwGH) has ruled that the forced culling of chamois in a federal forest district in Upper Austria’s Höllengebirge was unlawful. This decision, made on 3rd September 2024 (Case No. Ra 2023/03/0154-17), sets an important legal precedent regarding wildlife management and the application of the EU Habitats Directive (Annex V).

The court determined that forced culling can only be justified if the species’ favourable conservation status is maintained. It emphasised the need to properly assess population levels and potential impacts on chamois before issuing any culling orders. Additionally, the ruling highlighted the importance of transparency, declaring that access to essential documentation must be granted to environmental organisations when challenging such decisions.

This decision was driven by efforts from Wildes Bayern e.V., led by Dr. Christine Miller, with support from CIC members who contributed advice and assistance to the case. The decision aligns with the CIC’s commitment to sustainable wildlife management and conservation efforts across Europe.

Further steps are being taken to review regional culling orders in Austria to ensure compliance with the court’s guidelines, reinforcing the principles of responsible wildlife management.

For more information or to support these efforts, please contact: Email: communications@cic-wildlife.org