Roughly translated by TWIN Observer
Austrian authorities are giving permission to shoot wild wolves with rubber bullets to protect cattle.
Wolf attacks against livestock have increased in Austria, as the population of wolves increased there and in many other European countries. Farmers in three districts in northeastern Austria are allowed to shoot wolves with rubber bullets, but they must not kill the predators. The license is valid for the year.
In recent weeks, 31 sheep have been killed in the area, according to local authorities.
However, the World Food Fund (WWF) believes that the Austrian farmers bear a responsibility in this matter. According to the organization, the shelter in the country has been neglected for many years, when no fence or trained owner was built.
WWF calculates the number of wolves in Europe to around 12,000.
AFP