Capriolo in un bosco illuminato dal sole, simbolo della fauna selvatica italiana minacciata dal decreto Lollobrigida

🦌 Why hunting should be illegal: the Lollobrigida decree violates European principles

At a historical moment when the climate crisis and biodiversity collapse demand urgent action, Italy is moving in the opposite direction. The so-called "Lollobrigida Decree" – approved in December 2023 – paves the way for deregulation of hunting that undermines not only wildlife protection but also the principles enshrined in European regulations.

In this article, we explain why hunting should be abolished, how the new decree goes against EU directives, and what you can do to report this dangerous trend.

❌ What does the Lollobrigida decree entail?

The decree radically amends Law 157/1992 on wildlife protection, introducing:

  • the possibility of hunting all year round, even during breeding seasons
  • hunting within protected areas (in derogation of current legislation)
  • an increase in the discretionary powers of the Regions, with less state control
  • the use of firearms even in areas frequented by civilians, without sufficient safety guarantees

According to experts, this is a frontal attack on Italian wildlife, reducing animals like wild boars, deer, foxes, and roe deer to "problems to be managed" rather than living beings to be protected.

⚖️ Violations of European principles

The decree appears to be in stark contrast with several community regulations, particularly:

📜 Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)

  • Obliges member states to protect wild birds during reproduction, migration, and wintering phases
  • Explicitly prohibits hunting during nesting periods and during the return to nesting sites
  • The Italian decree, however, allows hunting even during these sensitive periods

📜 Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)

  • Aims at the strict protection of species and natural habitats
  • Requires that any derogation be justified and subject to environmental impact assessment
  • The Italian decree does not require a prior assessment in many cases

🌱 EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

  • Provides for the prohibition of activities harmful to wildlife in Natura 2000 areas
  • Aims at restoring biodiversity in the coming years, with binding plans
  • The Lollobrigida decree goes in the opposite direction, expanding hunting opportunities in protected contexts

🧠 Hunting is not a solution, it's a problem

The official reasons for the decree speak of "wildlife containment," particularly for wild boars. But data shows that:

  • Hunting does not solve the wild boar problem: it often increases the dispersal and reproduction of animals, worsening the situation
  • There are ethical, non-cruel, and scientifically effective alternatives, such as selective sterilization and territorial management
  • The vast majority of Italian citizens are against the extension of hunting, as shown by IPSOS and Eurispes surveys

📢 What you can do to stop this disgrace

✉️ Send a complaint to the European Commission

If you believe the decree violates EU rules, you can submit an official complaint to the Commission by filling out this form:

👉 EU complaint form

🖊️ Sign the petition against savage hunting

You can sign (or share) the active petitions:

Or, create your own petition on:

👉 Change.org – Start a petition

📮 Contact your European representatives

Write to the Italian members of the European Parliament:

👉 Find your MEP

Explain to them how the new legislation goes against Italy's and Europe's environmental commitments.

📝 Motion of no confidence against Minister Lollobrigida

The decree deregulating hunting is not just a dangerous political choice: it is a deliberate attack on environmental protection, wildlife, and Italy's role in Europe. For this reason, several associations, activists, and citizens are calling for a vote of no confidence against Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida.

✊ What is a motion of no confidence?

It is a formal act provided for by Article 94 of the Italian Constitution, by which Parliament can request a minister's resignation. Citizens can also politically support this request by exerting democratic pressure.

📢 How you can support it

  • Sign and share the public petition on Change.org to stop Lollobrigida 
  • Write directly to Italian parliamentarians asking them to present or support an individual motion of no confidence
  • Share content about the decree and explain why this policy harms our country's environmental future

📩 If you want to receive updates on the motion and ongoing legal actions, subscribe to our newsletter or contact us directly.

🌍 Defending animals means defending ourselves too

Hunting wild animals is not a tradition to be preserved, but violence to be overcome. Those who love nature do not wield a rifle, but build coexistence, respect, and compassion.

With the Lollobrigida decree, there is a risk of legalizing a real assault on Italian ecosystems, with irreversible consequences.

💚 Let's stop this step backward: nature is not defended with shotguns, but with the right political choices and the civil courage to say no.

🔗 Sources and further information:


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