“As we immediately stated, we fully agree the ordinance of the Tuscany Region, which - in addition to vegetable gardens and forestry - has reopened the activities for the control e wildlife containment. Let's not forget that the problem of ungulates and wild predators is a priority that has lasted for many years in Tuscany, and continues now regardless of the current situation of coronavirus health emergency.
It is necessary to continue along the path of correct wildlife-hunting management to safeguard crops and protect Tuscan farmers from damage caused by wild boar, roe deer and wolf predation. So enough with specious and hypocritical environmental crusades that come out with regular punctuality, always and in any case to the detriment of farmers and the delicate balance between man, environment and fauna. To safeguard crops, it is urgent to activate the measures contained in the regional ordinance of recent days, and for this reason the sensitivity of the mayors and the full collaboration of the provincial police and voluntary hunting guards".
This was declared by Luca Brunelli, president of Cia Agricoltori Italiani Toscana, following some declarations by animal rights acronyms, contrary to the order of the president of the Tuscany Region Enrico rossi which has given provisions for the performance of certain activities always in full compliance with the provisions of the Decrees of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and all the safety rules relating to the containment of the infection from Covid-19. "In our region - adds Brunelli - there are over 400 ungulates which prevent farmers from producing, damage the woods and the environment, cause accidents to populations. The data tell us that the situation is dramatic ».
The density of wild boars is now at frightening levels: for every 100 hectares of land there are at least 20 wild boars, while the regional wildlife plan provides for from 0,5 to a maximum of 5 animals. For each farmer there are now 5 heads of ungulates; for each sheep there is 1 ungulate, for each pig 3,5 and for each bovine 5 ungulates. Damage to crops that for six years in Tuscany have amounted to over 4 million euros per year.