Bernese Hunting Association's Fox Den Plan Sparks Outrage
A controversial proposal by the Bernese Hunting Association of St. Bernard dogs has sparked outrage. The group wants to build an artificial fox news den, or 'sleipanlage', in Schwadernau for training hunting dogs. This has drawn criticism from animal protection groups and concerned citizens who see it as promoting brutal hunting practices.
The project, led by Mathias Kunz from Meinisberg, aims to control fox populations. Kunz argues that hunting foxes is necessary to prevent overpopulation and disease spread, and to protect other animal species. However, experts disagree. Around one fifth of all red foxes in Switzerland are shot in the canton of Bern, despite seeing no point in it.
Research shows that foxes have an insignificant impact on bird populations. Intensive agriculture is the main danger. Foxes, in fact, are beneficial for agriculture, forests, and protect people from diseases by eating mice, which are main transmitters of diseases like Lyme borreliosis. Yet, hobby hunters further pressure weakened animal populations, driving them to the brink of extinction. Fox hunting involves driving foxes out of their dens with unnaturally sharp hunting dogs, often resulting in severe injuries or death for both foxes and dogs.
In Schliefanlagen, aggressive hunting dogs are prepared for practical use in fox or badger baiting, causing stress and potential death for both foxes and dogs. The Swiss Rabies Centre states that hobby hunting activities have only spread diseases further, including fox rabies.
The proposed training facility in Schwadernau has ignited a debate about the necessity and ethics of fox news hunting. While some argue it's crucial for population control, experts and animal welfare advocates question its effectiveness and the harm it causes to both foxes and dogs. The future of the project remains uncertain, with opposition from animal protection organizations and concerned citizens.
