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Italy hunting reform debate escalates

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2026-07-28 17:51 UTC → 2026-08-26 18:10 UTC · added removed

The Italian Senate approved draft law 1552, a sweeping amendment to Italy’s 1992 wildlife‑protection framework, 1552 in late June 2026 and reaffirmed it on 20 July. 2026, a sweeping reform of the 1992 wildlife-protection framework. The bill, which dubbed the ‘sparatutto’ or ‘DDL Caccia’, redefines hunters as “guardians ‘guardians of the environment”, environment’ or ‘bioregulators’, expands the list of huntable species, opens state forests and coastal zones to shooting, permits foreign hunters and reduces the advisory weight of scientific advice, now moves to bodies like ISPRA. Proponents, including the Chamber of Deputies for further debate. Environmental NGOs, centre-right coalition and agricultural groups like Coldiretti, argue the WWF reform is necessary to manage invasive species like wild boar, which cause significant crop damage and road accidents. Conversely, environmental NGOs (including WWF, Legambiente, and LIPU) and scientific bodies organizations warn the measures could pressure vulnerable fauna, disrupt ecosystems law threatens biodiversity, violates EU Birds and strain wildlife‑protection services. Habitat directives, and could trigger infringement procedures. Critics also cite occupational‑health concerns under existing highlight risks to public safety legislation. Opposition activity intensified in July. Over two dozen animal‑rights and environmental groups staged a sit‑in in Verona’s Piazza dei Signori on 24 July, joined by former MEP Licia Colò. A separate demonstration in Sciacca on 25 July, triggered by the death of four puppies left on a terrace, was organised by local activist Enrico Rizzi and groups such as Europa Verde, calling for stricter animal‑welfare enforcement. Analysts note the ddl Caccia’s rapid progress—completing Senate review and reaching the Chamber within twelve months—as unusually swift compared with other pending measures, such as a trophy‑ban proposal that remains stalled. constitutional concerns regarding Article 9. Opposition has been intense. The speed is attributed Five Star Movement (M5S) has filed one million amendments to parliamentary scheduling controls. A coalition of hunting organisations issued a joint statement on 28 July, arguing that stall the debate reflects an ideological bias from urban perspectives and defending bill in the role Chamber of hunting, forest care and wildlife management Deputies. Protests have occurred in rural identity Verona and land stewardship. The discussion continues in the Chamber, where parties debate amendments, licensing changes Sciacca, and a large-scale ‘Nessun bersaglio’ mobilization is planned for late August across thirteen cities. While the ecological role of hunters, while bill has moved through the Senate with unusual speed, the European Commission monitors is closely monitoring its compliance with EU Habitat law. Regional responses vary: Trentino has approved a 2027 pilot project for bow-hunting to control wild boar, while national parks in Cilento and Birds directives. Sila have deployed new wildlife control officers to manage boar populations.

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  1. 2026-08-26 18:10 UTC Italy hunting reform debate escalates
  2. 2026-07-28 17:51 UTC Italy hunting reform debate escalates

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