The association “Latvijas Mednieku asociācija” and “Latvijas Mednieku savienība” have raised strong objections to the amendments to Cabinet of Ministers regulations put forward by the Ministry of Agriculture, which affect both hunting procedures and the level of state fees. The organisations point to a number of significant shortcomings in these drafts and are calling for their progress to be halted. Latgales Mednieku un makšķernieku biedrība also objects to the amendments.
Insufficient public involvement and breach of participation rights
One of the main criticisms is that the drafts have not been discussed with the public and industry representatives, as the law requires. The hunting organisations stress that their views have so far been ignored, and that the call for “urgency” is unfounded.
The draft regulations
Amendments to Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 421 of 22 July 2014, “Hunting Regulations”
The red deer problem is not national but local
The damage caused by red deer is a live issue only in certain regions of Latvia, not across the whole country. Solutions developed earlier are being implemented successfully under the existing legal framework, so wide-ranging changes are considered unjustified.
Sustainability and ecological balance are being ignored
The organisations warn that restricting the ungulate population without putting wolf management in order is absurd. Ignoring the relationship between predators and their prey base will cause damage both in the natural environment and in agriculture.
Fee increases without explanation or consultation
Plans to raise the season card fee for all hunters are also criticised, given that this relates solely to the red deer issue, which does not concern the whole country.
A call for a professional and balanced approach
In view of all the above, the organisations are calling for the progress of the drafts to be halted and for all solutions to be developed together with industry experts, hunting organisations and the affected parties, on the basis of evidence and long-term sustainability.