Slovakia to Free Captured Bears for Consumption Purposes - Slovakia plans to sell cubed bears that have been hatched for human consumption
Slovakia Prepares to Sell Legally Shot Bear Meat for Consumption
In a significant policy shift, Slovakia plans to sell shot brown bears for public consumption, according to Environment State Secretary Filip Kuffa. The announcement comes amid concerns over increased bear attacks and a rise in fatal incidents over the past decade.
Kuffa explained that it's wasteful for shot animals to be disposed of and discussed the edibility of bear meat. Subordinates of the Environment Ministry have already started issuing licenses for resale to catering businesses. Traders will have to apply for certificates to confirm the animal was legally shot.
The government's decision to shoot up to 350 "problem bears," as part of an approved plan last month, has been met with criticism from environmentalists, opposition politicians, and civil society organizations. Critics argue that mass culling goes against Slovak and European Union legislation, which typically allows for the targeted removal of specific problem individuals.
Officially, there are around 1,200 wild bears in Slovakia, which are generally protected all year round. Only if they threaten humans can they be shot under certain conditions. In recent years, there have been several fatal attacks, most recently involving a 49-year-old man who was severely injured by a she-bear on a company premises on Saturday.
The Slovak government is now preparing to sell the meat of legally shot and health-inspected bears through retail outlets and potentially in restaurants. The aim is to prevent food waste and reduce fear among local residents and tourists. Critics, however, question the motives behind the move, arguing that it could facilitate trophy hunting rather than addressing public safety risks.
Since October of last year, 103 brown bears have been authorized for shooting, with 23 already killed and the ministry aiming for a total of 350. This controversial policy continues to be debated, with ongoing legal challenges and public scrutiny regarding its conservation, ethical, and regulatory implications.
- The Commission, with its expertise in health-and-wellness, science, and environmental regulation, has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the sale of legally shot bear meat for consumption, given the debate surrounding the ethical and conservation implications of the policy.
- As concerns about the rise in bear attacks persist, the fitness-and-exercise community has expressed their interest in the potential incorporation of bear meat into their diets, citing its high protein content and potential health benefits, although this remains a contentious topic among health professionals.
