Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke advocates for making the culling of wolves that increasingly attack livestock more straightforward.

"In cases where wolves repeatedly attack livestock, the culling should be uncomplicated and carried out swiftly," said the Green minister in the daily newspaper Die Welt. "It is tragic when numerous sheep are killed. This poses an enormous burden for livestock keepers. Therefore, we should provide them with more security and support," she emphasized and promised concrete proposals by the end of September.

A recent incident in Stade, Lower Saxony, could be the trigger for these statements. There, 55 sheep were killed or severely injured in a suspected wolf attack. Despite a protective fence erected by the shepherd, the wolves were able to attack the sheep. It is believed that a wolf pack was responsible for this.

Lemke's statement aligns with the FDP's position, which has long called for better protection for grazing animals. The coalition agreement also mentions the aim of harmonizing the coexistence of grazing animals, humans, and wolves to minimize conflicts despite the growing wolf population. "It is time to act," said FDP parliamentary vice Carina Konrad recently.

The FDP's position paper emphasizes the need for a modern approach to wolves. European legislation should be adjusted so that the wolf population in Germany is brought to a balanced level.

Following the attack on the sheep herd, Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Stephan Weil also wants to push for a relaxation of hunting rules for aggressive wolves at the EU level. He emphasized to Die Welt that EU regulations should not be set in such a way that they prevent necessary regional measures.