Bern Convention

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

The complaint was submitted on behalf of Wiener Tierschutzverein (Tierschutz Austria), and states that in Austria, especially in the federal state of Carinthia, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) whose habitat is the local Drau river, is caught in so-called conibear traps on land and in water.

The European otter is protected under Annex II of the Bern Convention and although animal welfare is generally not considered under the Bern convention, the complainant highlights that the traps are ethically questionable due to inducing slow death and a lack of recognition of lactating or pregnant females by the trap. The complainant states to have addressed the topic nationally and faced rejection from the side of the Carinthian state government, although the practice conflicts national hunting law. Since the complainant finds themself unable to legally contest the use of the conibear traps against the protected European otter, they forwarded the issue to the Bern Convention.

 Key Timeline

• 2022 - Case registration

 Other countries possibly concerned

• N/A

 Other international organisations involved

• N/A

 Documents

Complaint form

Regular reports to the Bureau and/or Standing Committee

Please note that all reports received by a Party during one calendar year are included in one single report for that year. Some older reports are not available in digital form.

Other information / documents