An early Christmas gift for hard-up farmers
Sheep and goat farmers in the middle region of Drenthe can apply for a subsidy via the province of Drenthe from 1 January 2021 to protect their animals against wolf attacks. With this financing, farmers can purchase multiple fixed and mobile fences to deter wolves.
Research from Hart van Drenthe, on the basis of previous sight and damage reports, suggests that a so-called “risk area” exists in the Province, where the chance of the wolf staying and attacking cattle is greatest. As reported by the Province of Drenthe.
In September 2020, a male wolf (GW1261m) turned was officially spotted in Drenthe. The province of Drenthe therefore asked the WEnR for advice about the wolf’s habitat in response to its behavior. During this investigation it appeared that the GW1261m has not been seen in Drenthe for a long time and is likely back in Germany. Although the wolf does not currently reside in Drenthe, the province of Drenthe will continue to offer help for sheep and goat farmers.
Deputy Henk Jumelet: “Wolves have been visiting Drenthe since 2015. An attack by a wolf on sheep has a huge impact on sheep farmers. There are many emotions involved and of course financial damage. Despite the fact that there is currently no wolf in Drenthe, we know from research that the chance of attacks by wolves in the Heart of Drenthe is also plausible in the future. We see it as the province’s task to provide sheep farmers in this area with the best possible support to protect their livestock. ”
Image: the spread of the Canis Lupus family across Europe. Created by Mario Massone. Public realm.
