Mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner has entered the wolf debate in no uncertain terms, triggering a storm of indignation among animal rights activists. In an interview, Messner described wolves as one of the biggest problems in the mountains and called for them to be shot or sterilized. The animal protection organization "Lndc Animal Protection" reacted immediately and rejected the claims as "absurd" and "misleading".
In a statement, animal rights activists expressed their disappointment at the comments made by the man who stands for love of the mountains like no other. It is a paradox that he of all people is calling for the extinction of one of the most symbolic animal species in the Alps.
"The wolf is not an enemy"
The association vehemently disagrees with Messner's portrayal: "The wolf is not an enemy, but an essential part of the mountain ecosystem," it says in its criticism. To portray it as the main threat is simply wrong. Contrary to Messner's claims, coexistence between humans and wolves is not only possible, but is already a reality in many parts of Italy. Proven protective measures such as fences, the use of livestock guarding dogs and swift compensation payments to livestock breeders mean that coexistence can be achieved without major dramas. The animal rights activists also see a contradiction in Messner's argument: on the one hand, he loves the mountains for their untouched landscapes, while on the other hand he claims that these would deteriorate without human intervention. The truth, however, is that nature can regulate itself very well and human interests should not always take precedence.
