Written question – Clarification on the prohibition of burrow hunting with dogs under the Habitats Directive – E-001570/2025

Question for written answer  E-001570/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sebastian Everding (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left)

Under Article 15 of the Habitats Directive, Member States are required to prohibit the use of all indiscriminate means capable of causing the local disappearance of, or serious disturbance to, populations of species listed in Annex IV or Annex V when managed under derogations.

Burrow hunting with dogs is a widespread hunting practice in several Member States, particularly for foxes. However, this non-selective method poses a serious risk to strictly protected species such as Felis silvestris, Cricetus cricetus, and various Chiroptera species, which may unintentionally be targeted. Furthermore, Meles meles, listed under Appendix III of the Bern Convention, is frequently subjected to this practice, raising significant conservation concerns.

• 1.Does the Commission intend to clarify that burrow hunting with dogs is prohibited under Article 15 of the Habitats Directive due to its non-selective nature?
• 2.What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure the protection of threatened species from non-selective hunting methods, including burrow hunting with dogs?

Submitted: 17.4.2025