Large carnivores Finance Committee examines counter-proposal to the large carnivore initiative
The finance committee of the Bernese cantonal parliament wants to examine whether it wants to submit a counter-proposal to the large carnivore initiative. The initiators want a constitutional article to give the canton more autonomy to regulate the large carnivore population.
21.08.2024, 14:47
SDA
The initiative's main target is the wolf. Large carnivores also include the lynx, bear and golden jackal.
The initiative committee argues that the "uncontrolled increase" in large carnivores poses an existential threat to many livestock farmers. The Bernese constitution should stipulate that the canton should issue regulations to protect against large carnivores and regulate their populations. The initiative was submitted in April 2023 with over 20,000 signatures.
The Bernese cantonal government asked the cantonal parliament to reject the initiative. During the preliminary consultation on the matter for the debate in the Grand Council, opinions in the Finance Committee differed, as detailed in a statement from the committee on Wednesday.
Several members expressed doubts as to whether it would make sense to regulate the issue at constitutional level - provided it was supported by the people. A narrow majority spoke out in favor of examining a counter-proposal with the aim of anchoring the regulation at the legislative level.
