PAN expressed its indignation in a statement regarding the authorization for the culling of deer granted by ICNF, considering it neither adequate nor proportional that the destruction of 100 chestnut trees by deer should result in the culling of these animals. The party's spokesperson, Inês de Sousa Real, argued that the State should be a greater guarantor of wild animal protection and emphasized the need to ensure means to reconcile fauna protection with agricultural activities.
The party acknowledges the negative impact of this situation on the affected farmers, expressing solidarity with them and reiterating that they are entitled to be properly compensated for the damages suffered. However, PAN rejects the culling solution as the response from the competent authorities.
PAN recalls that ICNF itself admitted the existence of other preventive measures, such as the installation of appropriate fencing and electric fences, visual or acoustic deterrent systems, and the use of specific repellents, which could be used as alternatives to culling the animals.
The party also announced that it will question the Government about the criteria used by ICNF in authorizing the cull and about existing measures to ensure that farmers are not disadvantaged by their losses while biodiversity is preserved.