GENOA – Hunting has always been a controversial topic that arouses strong reactions and divergent opinions. In Liguria, a new debate has been ignited by the League's proposal to introduce the use of the bow as a hunting tool in the woods of the region. This initiative raised several issues and prompted many to voice their concerns regarding safety, sustainability and prioritizing the needs of the population.
The amendment was presented by Alessio Piana, president of the Productive Activities commission, and is part of an omnibus bill of a financial nature, accompanying the discussion of adjustment to the regional budget. The goal is to include the bow "as a hunting tool for selection hunting". It should be noted that the arch is already contemplated by national legislation and in various Italian regional laws.
The proposal is not limited to the introduction of the bow as a hunting method, but also includes other changes to hunting practice in Liguria. Among these, there is the introduction of selective hunting of deer and mouflon, species that can cause damage to crops and biodiversity if not adequately controlled. Furthermore, the proposal provides for the extension of the deer and wild boar hunting periods. This last point has aroused particular interest, as it would be extended to the whole year, an option which inevitably raises questions about sustainability and the consequences for the local ecosystem.
However, the League has not limited itself to proposals to expand hunting. The amendment also aims to eliminate the minimum quota for hunting wild boar in areas subject to restrictions caused by swine fever. This could have implications for the control of wild boar populations and raises concerns about the possible spread of disease in livestock and the environment.
Although the proposal has the support of the Alloy, met with firm opposition from some directors of the Sansa List, including Selena Candia and Ferruccio Sansa. They believe that the League is neglecting the real needs of the population, focusing on issues of minor importance compared to those that afflict Ligurian citizens on a daily basis. Candia and Sansa expressed concerns about the use of the bow in hunting, pointing out the risks to public safety and the practice's ethics.
According to critics, priority should be given to issues such as improving working conditions, reducing waiting lists in public health and strengthening public transport services. Candia commented sarcastically, "Since the League also opposes the minimum wage, perhaps they think that people, if they don't make ends meet, can go hunting in the woods to save money for groceries."
The question of hunting in Liguria is destined to still arouse many discussions, with those in favor and against continuing to clash regarding the League's proposal. It will be the task of the Regional Council to carefully evaluate the implications of these measures and listen to the voices of all interested citizens before making a definitive decision regarding the use of the bow as a hunting tool and the extension of hunting in different seasons of the year. The League argues that these measures are necessary for species control and environment management, but it is essential to balance the demands of human activities with ecosystem conservation to ensure a sustainable future for the fauna and flora of the Liguria region.