The city of Peer has requested a crisis meeting with Flemish Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Jo Brouns, following an increase in wolf attacks and rising alarm among residents.
In recent days, the city council has been inundated with complaints and queries from worried locals after a spate of wolf attacks on animals.
Several ponies were killed by wolves over the past week in northeast Limburg. Their small size, slow movement, and inadequate protection make them easy prey. Moreover, wolf cubs were born recently in the Limburg pack. The cubs cannot yet hunt but have significant meat requirements.
“We’re receiving numerous reports from residents sharing a growing sense of insecurity following these recent wolf attacks,” said Mayor Steven Mathei (CD&V). “Animal owners are particularly concerned about safety and potential risks."
"In the meantime," the Mayor said "social media has become a battleground for polarised opinions on the presence of wolves, contributing to rising tensions.”
In response, Peer’s city council is urging a crisis meeting with Minister Brouns and other affected municipalities.
“We want clarity on how to handle a potential wolf overpopulation," Mathei explained. "What can be done about the rules requiring shelter permits, which must remain open at all times? How can municipalities work more effectively as partners on the ground? Our aim is to develop concrete measures to address these challenges.”
Minister Jo Brouns’ office has confirmed that a crisis meeting will take place on Thursday morning. It will include representatives from the affected municipalities, Limburg Province, and the Agency for Nature and Forests.
