JJ4, a female bear was sentenced to death for killing an Italian man. However, a stay on the execution has been put in after animal rights groups intervened. Read to know more.
Stay brought for the execution of female bear
Last week, 26-year-old Andrea Papi died after getting mauled by a female bear when he was running near his village, Caldes situated in the northeastern region of Trentino. When Papi did not return, his family raised the alarm and the search and rescue team began the lookout. His body was found with deep wounds on his arms, chest, and neck. DNA samples were found on a stick which he used for defending himself. Upon investigating the scene and the victim’s clothes, the authorities concluded it to be the job of JJ4, a 17-year-old female bear. Autopsy confirmed the theory.
Trento Governor Maurizio Fugatti later signed an order for euthanizing the bear. However, an animal rights campaign group, the Italian Anti-Vivisection League, (LAV) protested his decision. The LAV also went to the regional court, petitioning to impose a stay. The tribunal of Treto agreed and the bear received a reprieve. “The order has been suspended by the regional tribunal which accepted our requests,” tweeted LAV. They took to Twitter to share the good news with a picture of the baby bear and its mother.
More on the aftermath
Fugatti and the regional administration have until May 11 to appeal. While local groups fighting for animal rights are against the killing of JJ4, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) agreed the bear must be put down. Previously, the WWF battered them to keep her alive. In 2020, the bear attacked a different father and son duo. However, the court intervened in the order. “It’s clear the desire of Mr. Fugatti, he has no intention of working with us for a peaceful solution between bears and humans. What he wants is a vendetta towards bears, all he wants to do is kill them or move them out of the area,” stated LAV, targetting Fugatti. They called his decision of euthanizing the female bear arrogant.
