Hunting Reform: New Rules Approved by the Senate

The Senate has approved the initial green light for the hunting bill, sparking heated debate among environmentalists and hunters. The measure, which reforms the 1992 law, aims to recognize hunting as a activities useful for the conservation and protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions. On one hand, Lega Senator Giorgio Maria Bergesio, the bill's rapporteur, declared: “Now there will be active management to protect the territories”.

On the other hand, the opposition and environmental associations organized a sit-in protest in front of the Pantheon.

The new hunting rules

The bill extends hunting areas, including public woods, state-owned areas and even the beaches. Furthermore, it increases the number of huntable animals and the length of hunting seasons, especially for wild boar hunting.

ISPRA's recommendations on certain aspects are no longer binding.

Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto assured that the Ministry of Economic Development has worked to ensure the bill's provisions are compatible with international obligations and EU legislation.

Criticisms from environmentalists

Environmental associations, including Legambiente, Lac, Lav, Enpa, Lipu and WWF, have rejected the measure outright.

Aurora Floridia, of the Greens Alto Adige-Südtirol, said that “The message behind this bill is clear: every natural space is considered potentially available for hunting, with wildlife treated as a resource to be exploited.”.

Angelo Bonelli, historical leader of the Greens, defined the law as a “shame against biodiversity” accusing the right of wanting to transform parks and beaches into hunting areas.

Political reactions

The 5 Star Movement participated in the sit-in against the measure, defining it “contra constitutionem”Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, emphasized that the reform of Article 9 of the Constitution introduces the concept of environmental and biodiversity protection.

Italia Nostra has defined the bill as a “serious setback in wildlife protection” while Peppe De Cristofaro, leader of the Green and Left Alliance in the Senate, spoke of “shooter law”Even Democratic Party senators shared this definition, criticizing the total liberalization of hunting permits.

The defense of hunting associations

Hunting associations defended the new regulations, arguing that they don't eliminate protections but merely update the rules. Maurizio Zipponi, president of the CNCN, criticized the misleading reports that shifted the debate from merit to ideological controversy.

The UDC said it was satisfied with a provision “balanced and responsible”Meanwhile, a cross-party front of parliamentarians has addressed an appeal against the measure directly to the Prime Minister, recalling the words of Pope Leo XIV on “great social and moral relevance” of the question and the teaching of Pope Francis on the care of “common house”.