Fulda: Hunt for deer in the central cemetery ensures heated debate

Fulda: Hunt for deer in the central cemetery ensures heated debate

in the heart of Fulda, in the central cemetery, a serious problem is currently being developed: The rehabilitation population that has settled in the silence of the cemetery over the years becomes a challenge for the city. From September 2, 2024, the city of Fulda approved the hunt for the deer again. This decision was made for pregnant rods after the end of the closed season and its fawn, which led to the city received the mandate from the lower hunting authority to "completely remove" the roe population.

The magistrate is forced to take this measure, since the animals not only cause a disturbance of calm in the commemorative area, but also cause significant damage to graves and planting. Monika Kowoll-Ferger, the press spokeswoman for the city, made it clear that the lasting damage to the grave planting could not be overlooked. Nevertheless, the damage always remained a painful topic for many relatives who want to honor and maintain their loved ones.

background of the decision

The problem of the deer in the central cemetery was not new. The last six months were characterized by attempts to keep the animals away through various measures. This included reconnaissance campaigns for the grave owners, in which it was recommended to select plants that are unattractive for the deer. Additional measures such as the use of butyric acid, which the deer should deter the deer through its smell, proved to be ineffective.

Another attempt to solve the problem in a humane way included the collaboration with a veterinarian who should sedate the deer and bring it to a more suitable forest area. However, this plan also failed because the city's assessment showed that a relocation for the sick and inbreeding animals would not have been useful. Ultimately, the deer, possibly in the wilderness, would have to find death anyway.

The persistent damage to the graves, the lovelessness that many relatives feel, as well as the non -portable situation led to the determination of the city not to tolerate the deer. For many, the loss of grave jewelry and the destruction of planted graves was not acceptable.

The reactions of the public

The city's decision to allow the hunt for the deer again certainly not only received approval. Several protests have already been organized by animal -friendly organizations and residents. Numerous e-mails from the dismissal reached the mayor, many of them from other regions. The animal protection association "Rüsselheim" from Augsburg even submitted a criminal complaint against the city. While the city indicates that there is no such advertisement to the current point, the public prosecutor's office in Fulda confirms that investigations are currently underway.

But how many deer is actually still living on the site and how many of them should be killed remains unclear. Inquiries to the city have so far been unanswered. In spring there were already seven animals that were released for hunting. Before the start of the closed season, two goats were also killed, and the animal protection association found two dead fawns at the end of May, which may have died at or after birth.

The view of an escalation of the situation in the central cemetery remains. It is uncertain how the public reactions continue to run and whether a sustainable solution for the problem of deer can be found, which does justice to both the safety and animal -friendly component. While the city of Fulda has made a decision, it remains to be seen how this topic will develop in the coming weeks and what political and social consequences it could result.