The Congress of Deputies in Spain has taken a controversial step by approving the hunting of wolves once again, a decision that reverses protections put in place just four years prior. On March 20, 2025, the amendment was passed with significant backing from major political parties, including the Popular Party (PP), Vox, Junts, and PNV, highlighting a contentious debate over the balance between wildlife conservation and agricultural concerns.
This amendment modifies the protection status of the Iberian wolf north of the Duero River, effectively ending a four-year ban on hunting these wolves. The assembly ratified the measure after a heated discussion, with the final tally showing 181 votes in favor, 150 against, and 14 abstentions. This legislative shift allows for the hunting of what is considered a thriving population that has faced increasing pressure from livestock farmers.
Once the law is published in the Official State Gazette, the wolf will be excluded from the List of Species under Special Protection across the national territory. Only wolf packs situated south of the Duero River will retain their protected status, as confirmed in the passage of this amendment.
Among the changes introduced was a motion that ensures any future European legislative alterations concerning the Iberian wolf will automatically apply in Spain. Furthermore, the law states that any control measures involving the extraction of wolves must adhere to existing legislation. These provisions seem designed to strike a delicate balance between protecting farmers' interests and maintaining wildlife conservation efforts.
Milagros Marcos Ortega, spokesperson for the PP, justified the decision by asserting it would alleviate the fears of families and farmers about encountering wolves during daily activities, such as visiting health centers or schools. "This hunting allowance will allow people to live without the anxiety of finding murdered livestock in their fields or sending their children to school without worry," she stated, painting a picture of rural life overshadowed by the presence of wolves.
Responding to the passage of the amendment, Joseba Andoni Agirretexea of the PNV expressed a cautious perspective. "The amendment is necessary, but it’s a sack in which everything is possible," he remarked, reflecting on how various interests have used the legislative framework to embed policies not typically associated with food waste regulation. He criticized the approach taken by all political factions, suggesting that they exploit legislative sessions to push through contentious issues.
Further complicating the narrative is the position of Junts, which, although supporting the amendment, indicated strong opposition to the act of killing wolves. Deputy Isidre Gavín i Valls articulated the practical need for such policies, stating that while they do not support killing wolves, the protection of farmers, sheep, and extensive livestock farming must take precedence. The sentiment echoed in the assembly points toward a fear of backlash from farmers who feel increasingly vulnerable to wolf predation.
The legislative debate also reignited disputes between agricultural representatives and environmental organizations. Critics of the hunting amendment are vocal about their dismay, viewing this decision as a grave setback for wildlife conservation. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) condemned the measure, expressing that it opens the door for indiscriminate killings of wolves that had previously been under protective regulations. WWF described the approval of this amendment as "a very serious setback in a law that has nothing to do with the species" and is urging government officials to reconsider.
Similarly, the environmental group Ecologistas en Acción designated the decision as "irresponsible and inappropriate," urging that protections be reinstated for the Iberian wolf at the earliest opportunity. They have announced plans to pursue legal, judicial, and social mobilization initiatives to push back against the amendment and advocate for wildlife protection.
In stark contrast, the Royal Spanish Hunting Federation welcomed the measure, viewing it as an essential tool for managing the wolf population effectively. They argue that controlled hunting is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance while protecting agricultural interests, acknowledging the tension and conflict that has emerged from the expanding wolf population threatening livestock farming stability.
With the official capacity for wolf hunting now reinstated in regions like Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia, and northern Castilla y León—areas home to nearly 90% of Iberian wolf sightings—this amendment will undoubtedly reshape the future of wolf management throughout Spain. As the nation grapples with balancing agricultural demands against ecological necessities, the repercussions of this legislation will be scrutinized as it unfolds over the coming months.
The debate touches on broader themes prevalent in discussions about wildlife management—tensions between conservation and agricultural livelihoods, ethical considerations surrounding hunting practices, and the societal impacts of wildlife on rural communities. As Spain moves forward with these regulatory changes, both advocates and detractors will likely continue to voice their perspectives on how best to navigate these complex issues.
