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The wolf causes emotions to run high in mountain cantons – including in Glarus, where 90 animals were killed this year.
The emotions: “Concerns and fears – especially those of the mountain population – are not taken seriously, or not taken seriously enough.” This is written by the Glarner Farmers’ Association and its “Large carnivores expert commission”, which consists mainly of farmers and is intended as a link between the authorities, agriculture and the non-agricultural population. The message is clear: After this summer, in which there were many more problems with wolves, farmers want something to work: “2022 must not be repeated.”
The facts: 90 sheep and goats were killed by wolves in the canton of Glarus this summer. The canton announced these figures a few days ago when it took stock of the summer in the Alps. 120 animals also disappeared after a wolf was nearby. The canton of Glarus estimates the value of these killed or missing animals at 110,000 francs. He estimates the additional work in connection with wolf tears at 37,000 francs. The fact is: these numbers are much higher than in previous years. Last year, the canton of Glarus reported 10 killed and 5 disappeared sheep and goats in connection with the wolf.
The requirements: The farmers’ association, together with the “IG wolf-safe habitat”, presented seven demands. For example, the canton of Glarus should make better use of its options for regulating wolves. Because these were not used this summer. In addition, the farmers’ association would like the compensation for killed and missing animals to be processed more easily. This is too expensive at the moment. And he calls for a clear commitment from the Glarner government to local agriculture.
First reaction of the government: The Glarner Landammann Benjamin Mühlemann listened to the demands and accepted a petition with 3000 signatures. This petition contains the seven demands. “I can’t comment on all the demands yet,” Mühlemann told SRF. “But as a government, we will make a statement on this. I don’t think I’m leaning too far out of the window when I say that there will be a clear commitment to agriculture and alpine farming.”