It is proposed in the initiative that a law be prepared that enables the initiation of tribal hunting of wolves. In addition, the law would allow a more accurate estimate of the wolf population's size and purity of breed than at present and define a national uniform approach to removing wolves that pose a threat or danger.
The citizens' initiative collected the 50,000 signatures needed in less than a week. In total, the initiative collected 61,618 statements of support during one month. After that, the collection of statements of support was stopped so that the initiative could be given to Parliament for consideration as soon as possible.
Wolves caused many kinds of damage
During the summer and autumn, wolves have caused significant damage to both farm animals and hunting dogs. Whole flocks of sheep have been mauled, for example in Björköby in Replot over 150 sheep were savaged early in the autumn. Calves have even been taken from free-range barns.
At the beginning of the hunting season, between 20.8.2020 and 31.10.2020, wolves have killed 21 hunting dogs. In addition, wolves have mauled 15 dogs that survived. The hunting season continues until the end of February. Wolves have also taken dogs and cats from farms.
The wolf population has increased in Finland. According to the Natural Resources Institute Luke, in March 2020 there were about 25 percent more wolf packs than the previous year. This year, wolves have moved over human farms over 2,800 times according to the predator observation system Tassu.
The citizens' initiative is backed by the Finnish Hunters' Association, the agricultural organizations MTK and SLC and many hunting dog associations.
