Two ponies were tragically killed on Tuesday evening in a suspected wolf attack in the Kapelstraat area of Meeuwen, Oudsbergen, in Limburg Province. According to the Wolves Action Plan (WAP), three other ponies in the same meadow survived the attack.
After a thorough veterinary examination, the surviving animals were relocated to a safer area to prevent further harm. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among the surviving ponies, and their health is being closely monitored.
This incident is one of several reported over the summer in Limburg, where farmers and residents have expressed growing concern about wolf activity in the region. Livestock attacks have become increasingly frequent, prompting calls for effective preventive measures and protective strategies.
Local authorities and the Wolves Action Plan are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. Early indications suggest a wolf may have been responsible, as evidenced by bite marks and the nature of the injuries sustained by the deceased ponies.
On Thursday, a special meeting will be held in Oudsbergen to address the escalating wolf problem. The meeting will gather key stakeholders, including Flemish Minister of Agriculture and Environment Jo Brouns (CD&V), mayors from Bree, Oudsbergen, and Peer, representatives from the Province of Limburg, and officials from the Agency for Nature and Forests.
The meeting aims to discuss potential strategies for balancing wildlife conservation with the protection of livestock. Officials are expected to review preventive measures, compensation protocols for farmers, and long-term management plans to mitigate future incidents.
Farmers in the region have voiced their concerns over the safety of their animals, highlighting the need for swift and effective action. Some have suggested reinforced fencing, shepherding practices, and controlled relocation as possible solutions to minimize wolf encounters.
Experts from the Wolves Action Plan emphasize that while wolves are protected species under Flemish and EU regulations, the safety of livestock must be considered. They stress that responsible management and monitoring can help reduce conflicts between wildlife and human activities.
Residents in the Kapelstraat area remain shaken after witnessing the aftermath of the attack. Community members are calling for increased awareness and support for local farmers, especially during peak wolf activity seasons.
As wolf sightings become more frequent in Limburg, authorities are committed to strengthening communication channels between residents, farmers, and wildlife experts. Ongoing monitoring, reporting protocols, and public education initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in preventing further incidents.
The upcoming meeting in Oudsbergen will provide a platform for dialogue, ensuring that local authorities and stakeholders can collaborate on practical solutions. Minister Jo Brouns highlighted the importance of finding a balanced approach that safeguards both the region’s wildlife and its agricultural interests.
With the growing attention on wolf activity in Limburg, authorities stress that community cooperation and vigilance are key. Farmers are urged to report any suspicious sightings immediately, while wildlife experts continue to monitor wolf movements across the province.
The incident in Meeuwen underscores the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and livestock protection. As discussions unfold in Oudsbergen, stakeholders hope to implement strategies that ensure the safety of animals while respecting ecological preservation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
