Shock in the Ardèche: Mild punishment after the massacre of seven hunting dogs!

Shock in the Ardèche: Mild punishment after the massacre of seven hunting dogs!

In the last few days, a ruling in the French judiciary has caused quite a stir, especially among hunters. On June 17, 2023, the Tribunal correctionnel in Privas decided the case of Manuel Merlhiot, who shot seven hunting dogs in December 2022. Loud Chassons This incident occurred when a pack of hunting dogs chased a wild boar and attacked illegally kept pigs. Merlhiot, wanting to maintain order on his property, killed the dogs with his Winchester carbine.

For this crime, Merlhiot received a suspended sentence of six months in prison and a fine of 450 euros. It was also determined that he must pay the two hunters, the owners of the dogs, 1,500 euros for non-material damage. The fact that the two hunters themselves were charged with allegations of endangering third parties and dangerous animal husbandry, among others, is also not entirely unproblematic France Bleu was reported.

Protest and mobilization of the hunter community

It didn't take long for the hunters' community to respond. Over 300 hunters gathered in front of the court to voice their displeasure with the case and the court ruling. Blinding orange vests were visible in the crowd and the protest was loud. Many hunters felt the verdict was unfair and feared for their position in relation to the judiciary. Especially since, in their eyes, vigilantism is seen as a negative signal that undermines trust in the legal system.

In order to excuse the hunters, the debate also included reference to the difficult coexistence of farmers and hunters in the Ardèche region. There are always tensions between these two groups, as if every incident could, in the worst case, lead to the next scandal. Merlhiot is also known as the president of the anarcho-ecological community Longo Maï, which adds further fuel to the whole matter, as can be seen from various reports.

Context of the hunting discussion in France

These disputes and the debate about hunting are not isolated cases in France. Due to numerous hunting accidents in which several people were injured last year alone, hunting is very popular in the public discussion. A draft law to tighten hunting regulations is being called for by various political groups. Among other things, proposals for better training of hunters and for a digital platform to identify organized hunts are being discussed Wild and dog reported.

This all happens against the backdrop of a high density of hunters in France, with over 1.3 million active hunters, which draws comparisons with Germany, where there are just over 400,000 hunters. Such discussion about tightening rules shows that the debate about hunting is causing a stir not only locally, but also nationally. So let's stay tuned to see how the situation develops and whether the hunting community might appeal the verdict. Emotions are heated and the topic will probably continue to concern us in the future.