Agrarian in Lozère Sentenced to Two Years Probation – Seven Wolves Poisoned

Mende – 06/23/2026: In a sensational case of animal cruelty, a young farmer from the Lozère region was sentenced yesterday by the Criminal Court of Mende to two years probation and a fine of 10,000 euros. He was accused of having poisoned seven wolves in the Lozère animal park with rat poison. The acts took place last year and caused outrage in the region.

The defendant, a 28-year-old sheep farmer, had repeatedly poisoned wolves in the park with rat poison over recent months. Investigations revealed that in several cases he had lured the animals with poisoned meat. Investigators found evidence of the use of rat poison, which is commonly used in the region to control rodents.

The defense argued that the defendant had been under considerable pressure because his flock of sheep had been repeatedly attacked by wolves. In his statement, he emphasized that he felt helpless and saw no other way to protect his animals. Nevertheless, he was accused of intentionally and deliberately killing the wolves.

The prosecution had called for a harsher penalty, stressing the severity of the act. “The killing of protected animals is a serious offense that cannot be tolerated,” said the prosecutor in his speech. “Such actions not only endanger biodiversity but also the ecological balance of the region.”

The defendant’s attorney announced plans to appeal the verdict. “My client is a victim of circumstances and acted in a desperate situation,” he said. “We will exhaust all legal means to challenge this judgment.”

The case has sparked wide debate in the region. Animal protection organizations welcomed the verdict and called for further measures to protect wolves and other protected animals. “This judgment sends a clear message that such deeds will not be tolerated,” said a spokeswoman for the organization. “We hope it will serve as a precedent and deter other potential offenders.”

At the same time, the question of how to manage wolves in the region was raised again. Sheep farmers and other agriculturalists have long complained about repeated attacks on their herds by wolves. Authorities have previously recommended various protective measures, including the use of livestock guardian dogs and electric fences. Nevertheless, the question remains how to achieve a balanced relationship between protecting livestock and preserving the wolf population.

Overall, the case highlights the complex challenges in dealing with protected animal species and the tensions between conservation and agriculture. It remains to be seen what further steps authorities will take to ensure both the protection of wolves and agricultural enterprises.