Home » Victory in Austria: Landmark Ruling to End Forced Chamois Culling
Victory in Austria: Landmark Ruling to End Forced Chamois Culling
Vienna, Austria, October 2024 – In a significant legal victory, 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 landmark ruling sets an important legal precedent in Europe and was achieved through the efforts of Wildes Bayern (Wild Bavaria) e.V., a German non-profit, led by Dr. Christine Miller. With support from CIC members who contributed both financially and through committed support and advice.
The court ruled on the 3rd September 2024 (Case No. Ra 2023/03/0154-17) that, following the EU Habitats Directive (Annex V), forced culling can only be implemented if the species’ favourable conservation status is maintained. The ruling emphasises the necessity of ensuring population levels and the potential impact on chamois are properly assessed before any culling decisions are made.
Additionally, the court found that denying Wildes Bayern access to essential documentation and the opportunity to challenge the culling order was unlawful. This decision enhances the legal rights of environmental organisations in Austria, allowing for greater transparency in future wildlife management decisions.
CIC members provided vital support and advice in this case, contributing to the success of the case. Their involvement reflects the CIC’s ongoing commitment to sustainable wildlife management and conservation efforts across Europe.
Wildes Bayern will now continue to review all regional culling orders in Austria to ensure compliance with the court’s guidelines, and further legal efforts are planned to protect wildlife.
For more information or to support these efforts, please contact:
Dr. Christine Miller, Chairwoman, Wildes Bayern e.V.
Email: info@wildes-bayern.de
Contact the CIC at: communications@cic-wildlife.org