Complaint presented by the Association for the Conservation and Study of the Iberian Wolf
The Association for the Conservation and Study of the Iberian Wolf (ASCEL) has filed a complaint with the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office of Palencia. The reason for the complaint is the discovery of a dead female wolf in the municipality of Melgar de Yuso, in Palencia. According to ASCEL, the wolf showed clear signs of poisoning.
Discovery of other dead animals
In addition to the wolf, in recent months at least 11 dead griffon vultures have been found in Melgar de Yuso, Astudillo and Fuentes de Valdepero. These animals also showed signs of poisoning. ASCEL has reported that in Fuentes de Valdepero plastic trays were found with a whitish compound mixed with cereal grains, which is suspected to be a toxic substance used as a rodenticide.
ASCEL requirements
ASCEL has condemned these criminal acts against the natural heritage and has requested the Regional Government of Castilla y León to file a complaint with the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office. In addition, the association has urged technical reports and toxicological analyzes of the animals found to determine the type of toxic compound used. The objective is to facilitate investigations by the Civil Guard and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Measures requested by ASCEL
ASCEL has asked the Government of Castilla y León to suspend any hunting activity in the private preserve of Melgar de Yuso, where the poisoned wolf was found. This measure seeks to promote the recovery of ecological processes and biodiversity in the area affected by the poisoning. Placing poison in the natural environment is classified as a crime in the Penal Code, and ASCEL believes that public administrations must take forceful measures to combat this problem.
Updating and resourcing
ASCEL has also pointed out the need to update and provide sufficient resources to the Action Plan and Regional Strategy of Castilla y León to combat the illegal use of poisoned baits in the natural environment. The association has concluded its statement urging the Government of Castilla y León to recognize the status of the wolf as a protected species and to take effective measures to pursue and condemn crimes against wildlife.