The 'Robin Hood law' to hunt wild boar with bow and arrow: 'Trentino has inaugurated a medieval safari'

The Italian province of Trentino has approved a controversial measure allowing the use of bows and arrows for wild boar hunting, a move that has drawn sharp criticism and been dubbed a "medieval safari."

The provincial council's decision, proposed by hunting councilor Roberto Failoni and supported by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra), aims to reduce the population of invasive wild boars and curb the spread of African swine fever. Failoni stated that the bow and arrow would only be used by authorized hunters at close range, emphasizing that there would be no stray arrows.

However, the decision has faced significant backlash. Lucia Coppola, a provincial councilor for the Avs party, strongly condemned the policy, questioning its effectiveness in controlling swine fever and raising concerns about animal welfare. She warned that the method could lead to wounded animals suffering prolonged agony and becoming more dangerous. Coppola also highlighted the silent nature of bows, which she believes poses a risk to people frequenting wooded areas, as they may not be aware of hunting activities.

Similar skepticism was voiced by Michela Calzà of the Democratic Party (Pd), who also raised doubts about the policy's efficacy and safety. Calzà pointed out that a plan to cull wild boars already exists and that the province's new approach might be redundant. The Democratic Party plans to submit an inquiry regarding the matter.

Animal rights organizations have reacted with outrage. Massimo Vitturi, head of Lav's wild animal sector, called the decision "atrocious" and accused the province of using it as a pretext for hunters' entertainment. Lav argues that the policy promotes the suffering of wild boars, describing their skin as tough and their ability to endure pain.