Hunting: Liguria, Regional Council approves two Bruzzone proposals; the possibility of using lead ammunition for all forms of hunting, archery hunting for ungulates and the possibility of resorting to government provisions regarding the early closure of hunting for Tordo Bottaccio, Cesena and Woodcock are being discussed.
Hunting, the Regional Council of Liguria approves two initiatives by Francesco Bruzzone. The bill of the Councilor of the Northern League discussed and approved in today's council, born as a remedial measure regarding the hypothesis of recourse to the constitutional court, was therefore modified and used to introduce the possibility of using lead ammunition for all forms of hunting in the Ligurian territory, including that of ungulates. With 29 votes in favor and 1 abstention (Giancarlo Manti, Pd) the proposed law was approved “Amendments to the regional law 1 July 1994 n. 29 (regional rules for the protection of homeothermic fauna and for hunting) ", presented by Francesco Bruzzone, Maurizio Torterolo and Edoardo Rixi of the Northern Liguria-Padania League, to which Angelo Barbero (mixed group) and Gino Garibaldi were then added (Ncd). Some amendments were approved. One, which has Antonino Oliveri (Pd) as its first signatory, also signed by two other members of the Pd, Giancarlo Manti and Sergio Sciblia, eliminates the possibility of using the hunting bow, on the basis of specific regulations adopted by the Provinces, for the selective collection of ungulates. Some amendments presented by Francesco Bruzzone have been approved, one of which eliminates the indications to be followed in the event of a possible suspension of the resolution of the Regional Council concerning the hunting calendar for the hunting season, which are no longer necessary, as he was able to explain Bruzzone himself.
The ban on the use of lead-containing ammunition in wetlands such as those defined by the Ramsar Convention, already envisaged in the last two regional hunting calendars, is introduced into the regional law. In this way, this prohibition acquires greater value and in addition to increasing the protection of particular habitats and valuable species, it helps to clarify how, outside of these purposes, no further limitations are envisaged. "This is the first Italian region to regulate an aspect such as that of the types of ammunition, on which there have long been conflicting opinions, and to introduce the protection of wetlands identified by the Ramsar convention, in which non-toxic ammunition must be used instead", comments Francesco Bruzzone. "We had filed this bill some time ago - explained the director continuing - and it was aimed at overcoming procedural problems connected to a hypothetical appeal to the Constitutional Court by the government with respect to the standard approved at the end of last summer . Standard that has allowed a regular hunting season, which guarantees legal certainty. Today we can say that no appeal has been filed with the Constitutional Court, the law cannot be challenged ”.
As regards the question relating to the selective hunting of ungulates with the bow, Bruzzone wanted to specify that “the initial proposal did not talk about hunting with the bow. At a certain point, an amendment by the Democratic Party intervened which included this type of practice, which was passed to the committee, and now an amendment by the Democratic Party itself eliminates this type of selection ". Antonino Oliveri (Pd) illustrated his amendment, aimed at eliminating the possibility of selection hunting with the bow. In his opinion, this practice "would be very dangerous". Valter Ferrando (Pd) reiterated that the provision relating to bow hunting must be eliminated as at this moment «it was exploited and created a climate of tension. He continued: "I consider it appropriate at the moment to eliminate this possibility, and then calmly address it again, after having thoroughly examined and explained the issue". In fact, he reiterated that the intent was to follow the indications of Ispra, which go towards this type of selection.
Edoardo Rixi (Lega Nord Liguria-Padania) reiterated that in the original draft of the law, presented by his group, the practice of selection hunting with the bow was not foreseen. He then underlined the value of hunting for the hinterland: “Whoever acts and lives in the world of hunting, respecting the rules, helps the care of the territory, of the paths and must not pass as someone who wants to destroy the environment”. Sergio Scibilia (Pd), after noting the complexity of the hunting theme, said: “We realized that we had inserted a part that was not right, the exercise of a practice that does not meet the needs of the Ligurian territory. This type of exercise, although foreseen at national level, gives rise to problems. In addition to everything else, we believe it could promote poaching ”. He pointed out: “There is no split”.
Giancarlo Manti (Pd) pointed out: «Ispra. he did not say that bow hunting is ethical hunting. In reality, Ispra affirmed that the use of the bow in the collection of ungulates, if this instrument is used on the basis of correct principles and according to an adequate practice, constitutes a valid alternative means to the use of firearms, as , in addition to the undeniable terminal efficacy, it offers greater certainty in the identification of the animal subject to collection, is free from environmental invasiveness and offers total passive safety. Ispra. speaks of "use of the bow in particular critical areas", where the use of the firearm may not be easy, inappropriate or contrary to laws and regulations, near parks, built-up areas or areas intended for parks natural ". He explained: “I see the amendment that I signed together with Councilor Oliveri and Councilor Scibilia in another option, that is, in the correct option that was given by Ispra. Hunting with the bow, that is, is an ethical factor, used in an alternative way and in particular areas. It is clear that adding another type of hunting, however, can create further problems ”. Manti expressed concerns about hunting with lead ammunition, justifying his position with the negative repercussions that the consumption of meat from animals killed with this type of ammunition could have on human health.
Marco Melgrati (Forza Italia) on bow hunting, "It was the Democratic Party who introduced the possibility of this type of hunting and now, given the reactions it has aroused, the Democratic Party has decided to cancel it". Ezio Chiesa (Mixed Group-Liguria Viva) underlined the importance of hunting the houndstooth, as an element to "contain" the phenomenon of damage caused by wild boar. He also stressed the importance of human protection for the protection of the territory, also from the point of view of the hydrogeological structure. "But we can't defend everything and everyone," he said, underlining the danger, in his opinion, of practicing with the bow.
Aldo Siri (Civic lists for president Biasotti) said he was in favor of the abolition of bow hunting, explaining that an animal hit by an arrow usually goes through suffering before dying.
Another proposal approved by the Regional Council was that concerning the hunting of the Song Thrush with the possibility of practicing it until January 31st. An agenda was unanimously approved, signed by Francesco Bruzzone (Lega Nord Liguria-Padania) which contrasts the recent resolution of the Council of Ministers of 20 January 2015, concerning the modification of the hunting calendar of the Liguria Region, with which provides that hunting for the song thrush species is authorized until January 20 instead of January 31.
After having motivated with precise legal indications that also refer to European directives, the regional council undertakes to urgently activate the procedures aimed at obtaining, within the State Regions conference, the re-examination of the provision adopted against Liguria. It is also requested to act against the resolution of the Council of Ministers in the competent offices to request its cancellation and / or reform. And, finally, the council is asked to agree and implement "with the other regional administrations affected by similar unjustified measures (Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto, Marche, Friuli Venezia Giulia), the most suitable and effective political actions aimed at the correct application of the Directive 2009/147 / EC also in our country ". Finally Bruzzone commented, "I now hope that the Government will begin to deal with the real problems of the country, instead of continuing to concentrate its actions on interventions that harm the dignity of the Regions in hunting matters, and which clash with the national law".
(February 5, 2015)
Liguria Region - Regional Council