An investigation was opened by the prosecution of Gap after the death threats received by two lieutenants of eyewear during the removal of a wolf for which they were missioned in early July in the Hautes-Alpes, AFP learned Wednesday from the prosecution .
Read also: On the trail of wolves in France
The wolfhoppers complained after being subjected to " various insults and death threats " from a small group of wolf defenders who filmed and broadcast the shooting on social networks, angering the animal advocates. The two sworn volunteers were mobilized on July 5 by prefectural decree for a " reinforced defense shot " which had led that day to the removal of a wolf from Monêtier-les-Bains according to the national action plan on the animal.
"Outrages and threats of death"
“ The shooting was carried out within a legal framework. The debate is closed on this point, "told AFP the public prosecutor of Gap Florent Crouhy, who ordered the opening of an investigation for" insults and threats of death on person charged with public service mission " Investigators from the Briançon research brigade are trying to identify the five people who formed the small group who cursed the wolfhounds and " tried to obstruct their work ".
On July 9, in a press release, the Hautes-Alpes prefect Martine Clavel recalled that " the shooting was carried out in strict compliance with laws and regulations intended to preserve the best possible balance between protecting the wolf and protecting the pastoralism ”. She also deplored that the " legitimate emotion " of " conservationists " led them " to break the law ".
The reinforcement of the two lieutenants of the louveterie had been requested on July 3 by the breeders who had " repeatedly seen wolves near their herd ". As required by the regulations, the remains of the animal had been returned to the agents of the French Office for Biodiversity.