Portuguese shepherds protest wolf attack compensation delays

More than fifty shepherds and livestock producers from the Miranda do Douro, Vimioso, and Mogadouro regions held a protest in Miranda do Douro to demand timely government compensation for losses caused by wolf attacks.

Protesters wore black t-shirts with slogans such as “Lobos protegidos, produtores falidos” (Protected wolves, bankrupt producers). Participants reported that government payments are often delayed by over a year and frequently fail to cover the actual costs of the damage. Specific grievances included the loss of sheep, calves, and horses, as well as the high costs of veterinary medicine for injured animals.

Local officials and producers criticized the current support systems. Nuno Rodrigues, Vice-President of the Miranda do Douro City Council, argued that the “Programa Alcateia” needs revision, noting that farmers lack the financial capacity to install the expensive high-standard fencing required to prevent wolf incursions without significant state support.