Gianni Stea, councilor of the Puglia Region which is part of the Schittulli Political Movement - Popular Area, he presented a question to the council to get started as soon as possible the levy by way of derogation from transfers (sturnus vulgaris). The request of Stea, who is also one of the components of the Wildlife Hunting Committee Apulian, relies on a bill signed by other councilors: the initiative was rejected, so we should correct any inconsistencies which favored the rejection and speeded up the timing to start hunting birds. The counselor referred to two models that should be followed in this case, viz that of Tuscany and that of Liguria.
The stated aim of the proposal is the defense of the local agricultural sector and of the entire “ecosystem of the various Apulian territories from the conspicuous damage done by a wild species that has now become a pest”. The sampling must be done quickly according to Stea, more precisely in compliance with the deadline of April 30th. In fact, at the end of the month, the communication to theISPRA (Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) by the provinces. Taking into account the type and manner of damage suffered by crops the decision to authorize hunting could therefore be speeded up.
In addition, the need for to remedy the destruction of crops, given that by now very large territories of the southern region have been involved. Stea recalled how for several years the migratory phenomenon of starlings has been devastating crops and agricultural infrastructures, without forgetting the consequences from the point of view of health and hygiene and the risks for the balance of the ecosystem. Finally, the regional councilor is convinced that, putting aside any and (if necessary) erroneous ideological approaches, it is necessary to make a mandatory task intervention, in particular by those who have the duty to administer the interests of the communities.
But how serious is the problem of starlings in Puglia exactly? Last November the Renzi government blocked the hunting notwithstanding the bird. Specifically, the executive motivated the decision by the fact that neither the times nor the procedures for the transposition of community legislation. Furthermore, it was explained that thearticle 117 of the Constitution, the one that distinguishes the competences of the state and the regions. The Government itself preferred to wait for the monitoring of the Region and then deliberate, even if, as noted by other councilors, yet another agricultural season was lost before taking serious action. The hope of many is that the times are now more ripe.