This demand helps to explain why a criminal element has taken an interest. Theft of the animals from fincas authorised by the Council of Mallorca has been occurring. Depending on the Boc, the price can be up to 6,000 euros.
Ten years ago there were only six authorised fincas. There are now thirteen and the number continues to grow. But there aren't enough animals for all these fincas; hence the thefts. Owners and hunters want regulation for big game. Some 60 Bocs were hunted last year. This could rise to 100, "if order is not put in place". The Council is being urged to create a specific department for regulation. It just so happens that the new vice-president for the environment is Pedro Bestard of Vox, who recently resigned as the president of the hunters federation.
Safari Club International is an American hunting organisation with some 50,000 members. As the Balearic Boc has become increasingly "fashionable", there has been a rise in the number of hunters from the US. The growing number of fincas reflects this demand, but owners affected by the robberies want the Council to act quickly in order to prevent over-speculation and there being too many hunters.
Even so, there are calls for hunting to be included in tourism promotion. It is argued that it is a product that tackles tourism seasonality and attracts high-spending visitors.
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I think we all may be missing the key point here. The politician in charge of potentially protecting these unique and beautiful creatures, is actually a recent advocate for a hunting group. They have no hope. It’s like a child murderer being put in charge of a school :( Mallorca wildlife … look out!!!
Really weird and stupid hobby. And those classic boastfully arranged photos of "the heroism of shooting an animal that cannot defend itself"...
Low life scum
It is an abhorrent hobby. The killing of animals should not be condoned. I am surprised that a newspaper is writing about it from such a point of view. The Balearic Islands are a place for animal lovers, not animal killers.
Why does the government in the Balearics still continue to support such barbaric acts to be done to animals here. It's time we humans stop mistreating/killing animals for our own pleasure.
Here on Mallorca we undoubtedly have some undesirable forms of tourism. But this is truly the worst. Its disgusting and should be stopped without any further delay.
Finbar SaundersYES...You and Me BOTH...son hijo de putas..!!!
Up market tourism eh.
Give me a gun and I would happily take out those 3 cowards in the photo.
Look at those men, how brave with a gun, would they take on the animal without one? No. All hunting us unacceptable and the hunters are despicable people.