Portuguese farmers protest wolf attacks and compensation delays

Livestock producers in northern Portugal, particularly in the Trás-os-Montes region, are protesting against the government due to increasing wolf attacks on cattle and sheep. Recent incidents include the death of a pregnant cow in Vimioso, marking the second attack for that specific producer.

Farmers report significant economic losses and express frustration over delayed compensation, with some payments taking over a year to process. While the government has announced plans to reduce maximum compensation deadlines, this measure is not scheduled to take effect until January.

The Union of Livestock Producers Damaged by Wolves warns that these attacks threaten the viability of agropastoral holdings, which are essential for preserving rural landscapes and indigenous breeds. Protesters have used slogans such as ‘Wolves protected, producers bankrupt’ to highlight the perceived imbalance between predator protection and farmer support.