French hunting groups sue for reform after deadly season surge
The 2022–2023 hunting season in France witnessed a concerning surge in accidents, with 78 incidents, six of them fatal, and a notable rise in non-hunters being affected. This has prompted two prominent groups, the Association for the Protection of Wild Animals (Aspas) and the collective Un jour un chasseur, to file a lawsuit advocating for urgent hunting reform.
The lawsuit comes in the wake of the tragic death of Morgane Keane, which sparked the formation of Un jour un chasseur. The groups contend that the government's current measures, including penalties for intoxicated hunters, are inadequate. They have long advocated for stricter regulations, such as restrictions on hunting days, particularly on weekends when over 70% of accidents transpire, and more rigorous training for hunters.
Seven out of ten French people express safety concerns during hunting season. The groups assert they have engaged in discussions with ministers about these issues, but the government's response has been unsatisfactory. They seek uniform regulations across all French departments to make hunting safer and prevent accidents.
The lawsuit, filed by Aspas and Un jour un chasseur, underscores the urgent need for hunting reform in France. With a significant increase in accidents and widespread public unease, the groups hope their legal action will lead to stricter regulations, improved hunter training, and safer hunting practices across the country.
