"For PAN, it is neither appropriate nor proportionate that, in the face of the destruction of 100 chestnut trees caused by deer, culling is used as a solution. The State must be a greater guarantor of the protection of wildlife, ensuring the necessary means to enforce this and reconcile it with the responsible coexistence of agricultural activities," stated the People-Animals-Nature (PAN) party in a statement sent to Lusa.

The damage caused by deer to chestnut producers in Cova de Lua occurred in the village in the municipality of Bragança. The common land commission requested accountability from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), which is responsible for authorising measures to reduce the density of this species in the Montesinho Natural Park.

The ICNF had already authorised the Espinhosela Parish Council to cull an animal, as the entity responsible for the hunting area in Cova de Lua. However, during the current period, it was not possible to kill the deer.

Confronted by Lusa with the damage caused to more than 100 chestnut trees, the ICNF said that "a new request for density correction may be submitted, indicating new dates for carrying out the action".

The PAN says that it does not have representation in Bragança; however, "PAN will question the Government about the criteria being used by the ICNF, about the effectiveness of existing prevention measures and about what is being done to ensure that affected farmers are not harmed by their losses, but that biodiversity is equally preserved, instead of allowing them to be culled through hunting".

The PAN rejects the idea that the solution "is reduced to authorizing the culling of animals," advocating for "structured support and implementation" for farmers, "especially in the protection of new plantations," for the construction of "appropriate fences and electric fences, visual or acoustic deterrent systems, and the use of specific repellents," which are also pointed out by the ICNF as preventive measures.

In light of the damage already caused, the party showed "solidarity" with the farmers and stated that "they have the right to be duly compensated for the damage they have suffered."

According to the ICNF, under the law, "the damage caused by game species in forests, agriculture, and livestock farming (...) is the responsibility of the respective owners."

However, the Espinhosela Parish Council says it does not have the funds to pay thousands of euros in compensation.