Wolf Federal Council wants to pay more for livestock protection again
The Federal Council wants to increase federal support for livestock protection measures to a maximum of 80 percent again. To this end, it amended the Hunting Ordinance at its meeting on Wednesday.
26.11.2025, 16:14
SDA
As a cost-saving measure, the federal government recently reduced the federal contribution for livestock protection measures from a maximum of 80 percent to a maximum of 50 percent. This was announced by the state government on Wednesday.
However, parliament will still have to decide on the increase in the federal contribution. If it says yes, cantons or third parties will once again contribute twenty percent to herd protection measures, the Federal Council states.
The Federal Council also wants to support the breeding and training of livestock guarding dogs again with 80 percent. This is via the premiums that owners of livestock guarding dogs receive once their dog has passed the test after training.
With the proposal to increase the premium rates again, the federal government is implementing a motion by Council of States member Stefan Engler (center/GR).
New rules since February 1
New provisions for the regulation of wolves came into force in Switzerland on February 1 of this year. They give the cantons the authority to preventively regulate the wolf population under certain conditions.
In order for the cantons to intervene in the wolf population from September to January before any damage has been done, there must be a risk to livestock and herd protection measures must be implemented.
