Swiss Man Fined for Illegal Hunting of 21 Animals
Zurich, Switzerland – A 29-year-old man from the canton of Zurich has been issued a criminal order after illegally killing 21 wild animals between April and November 2024, according to a report published by NZZ on September 10, 2025. The Winterthur/Unterland Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the charges.
The man hunted in the Zurich wine region without a valid hunting license, taking twelve deer, five chamois (a type of mountain goat), two foxes, a wild boar, and an unspecified bird. His actions represent a clear violation of Cantonal Hunting Law, wich mandates both a license and adherence to established hunting seasons and quotas.
A Warning to Illegal hunters
Zurich’s hunting authorities are treating this case as a critically important warning. They emphasize that hunting without permission is a serious offense, undermining the state-regulated system designed to manage wildlife populations and ensure animal welfare.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding enforcement within the hunting sector. While Switzerland maintains strict hunting laws, illegal killings persist, often stemming from either a lack of awareness or intentional disregard for the regulations.
Calls for Stricter Oversight and Hunter Evaluation
The IG wild (Association for the Protection of Wildlife) is leveraging this case to advocate for increased inspections and harsher penalties for illegal hunting. the organization also proposes a more rigorous screening process for hunters,drawing inspiration from the Dutch model which includes mandatory medical-psychological evaluations.
IG Wild points to the aging demographic of hunters – with a significant proportion over 65 – and associated concerns regarding diminished cognitive and physical abilities, perhaps impacting safety and ethical hunting practices. They argue that accident rates involving both people and animals increase dramatically after age 45, and advocate for abolishing sport hunting altogether, citing concerns about the potential for misuse of firearms. The organization further condemns hunting as a manifestation of “speciesism,” drawing parallels to racism and sexism, and criticizing the spread of misinformation within the hunting community.
