Pheasant hunting in Altlichtenwarth: A dispute about animal welfare and hunting ethics

Pheasant hunting in Altlichtenwarth: A dispute about animal welfare and hunting ethics

The discussion about pheasant hunting in the Altlichtenwarth area near Mistelbach is gaining momentum again. In particular, the large-scale hunt for farmed pheasants that took place last Friday caused considerable controversy. The Association Against Animal Factories (VGT) expressed outraged accusations against this practice, as the animals are often chased in groups in order to drive them to the gun of the waiting hunters.

According to the VGT, this hunt was fatal for many pheasants, while injured birds often died in great suffering. The hunting method is criticized by animal rights activists as “senseless cruelty”. The VGT also states that the pheasants are bred under poor conditions in the Czech Republic and then transported to Austria, where they are initially kept in enclosures.

Criticism of breeding conditions and hunting methods

According to the association, this approach leads to mass killings of animals and also has significant negative effects on the environment, particularly through the use of lead shot. Animal protection organizations speak out vehemently against this type of hunting and are calling for changes to hunting regulations.

In contrast to this is the defense of the Liechtenstein Hunting Society, which is represented by Hans Jörg Damm. Damm emphasizes that the project is not just about hunting, but also about promoting biodiversity in the region. To this end, special measures were taken, including the creation of wild fields and watering holes that also benefit other wild animals.

"The annual release of pheasants and partridges into the wild is carried out in accordance with legal requirements. Only a small proportion of the animals are taken as part of hunting, while the majority remain in the wild in order to stabilize the populations," explains Damm.

Wilhelm Lehner, the society's hunting director, supports this argument by pointing out that this hunt is carried out with the aim of sustainability for flora and fauna. He also emphasizes that the pheasants shot are used as high-quality game.

Pheasant hunting continues to be viewed in a very polarized way. Proponents of hunting claim that it makes an important contribution to the preservation of small game populations, provided it is sustainable. Critics, however, are calling for an end to these practices and calling for stricter hunting laws.

The topic is made particularly relevant by the referendum “For a Federal Hunting Act”, which draws more attention to the specific challenges and legal framework of hunting.

For more information on this topic and current developments, see the report on www.meinkreis.at.