Italy's Senate approves hunting law reform amid environmental debate

The Italian Senate has approved DDL 1552, a reform of the 1992 hunting legislation (law 157/92). The bill modernises rules on wildlife management and expands the range of actors involved in control plans, including agricultural entrepreneurs, landowners and hunting‑agricultural enterprises. Confagricoltura welcomed the change, saying it creates a better balance between nature and agricultural activities, helps prevent wild‑fire risk, soil erosion and contributes to climate mitigation.

Environmental groups and the parliamentary Green‑Left alliance criticised the reform, calling it a “shoot‑first” law that favours hunting lobbies, threatens biodiversity and may conflict with EU environmental standards. The debate highlights a clash between agricultural interests, wildlife protection and Italy’s climate commitments.