Stolen brown bear discovered, outraging environmentalists in Belmonte, Asturias

In the picturesque region of Asturias, Spain, a concerning trend of illegal hunting has emerged. The latest case involves the poaching of a brown bear, an endangered species, as reported by a private individual.

This poaching incident bears a striking resemblance to a case from July 18 in Degaña, highlighting a persistent problem in the region. The brown bear found dead in a snare had at least one gunshot wound, a clear violation of the Penal Code that defines such actions as the use of a snare and gunshot wounding of the animal.

Local ecological groups, including the Ecologists' Coordination, are expressing their concern over the impact of these illegal activities on endangered species and domestic livestock. The Ecologists' Coordination has previously denounced numerous unresolved cases of furtivism to the Prosecutor's Office, yet resolution has been delayed due to a lack of personnel and inertia in the justice system.

The organization, Wolfsschutz-Deutschland e.V., advocates for stronger penalties, thorough investigations, and improved documentation systems to protect wolves from illegal killings. They propose the elaboration of a Plan Against Poaching to minimise these crimes, a suggestion that has been echoed by the Ecologists' Coordination for years.

However, the measures taken by the Principality of Asturias against poaching seem to be falling short. Actions taken several years ago, such as coordinated campaigns of searching and removing snares, have been abandoned. The deterioration of the working conditions of the Agents of the Environment of the Principality of Asturias is another factor contributing to the persistence of these crimes.

The silence from the Principality of Asturias in this case cannot be attributed to necessary investigations, but rather to an interest in hiding these serious facts. ECOticias.com emphasises the need for wildlife (and domestic) to be protected in a real way, not just by written laws that ultimately amount to nothing.

As these illegal actions continue to affect not only endangered and vulnerable species but also domestic livestock, it is crucial that effective action is taken to combat poaching in Asturias. The region's wildlife and livestock deserve better protection, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure this is provided.