Slovak sheep farmers appalled by decision to protect wolves

The Sheep and Goat Breeders Association on Thursday said it was appalled by an announcement by Environment Minister Jan Budaj, who said on Wednesday that his ministry was preparing a decree that will put wolves on the list of strictly protected species. "The events of this year have culminated in an unacceptable situation for sheep breeders, who are being referred to as accomplices of wolf hunting. We view this as an attempt to obfuscate the Environment Ministry's inactivity when it comes to tabling systematic solutions," claimed association head Slavomir Relovsky.