The Swedish Predator Association is offering a reward of 250,000 Swedish kronor (almost 23 000 euro) for tips that lead to a conviction for hunting crimes against large predators, resulting in imprisonment.
Illegal hunting is currently one of the greatest threats to Sweden’s large predators – especially the wolf. Illegal hunting also constitutes a serious blow to both biodiversity and public confidence in the rule of law. To combat this, the Swedish Predator Association is now taking a powerful and historic initiative and offering a reward of SEK 250,000 (almost 23 000 euro) to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and imprisonment of someone for serious hunting offences or serious poaching of our large predators.
Illegal hunting also affects domestic animal owners
Illegal hunting of wolves also has consequences for sheep owners and other domestic animal owners. When wolves are shot illegally in large forest areas where they pose no risk to domestic animals, the possibility of granting protective hunting where it might be needed is reduced. Management also becomes more difficult when wolves disappear from their natural areas.
Another major problem for livestock owners with illegal hunting is that when territories are fragmented or parent animals are killed, so-called ‘problem wolves’ can be created. Young, inexperienced wolves tend to prey more on easier targets, such as unprotected domestic animals, as they have not received the proper training to hunt more natural prey. Research shows that it is best to leave wolf territories intact, as this reduces the risk of attacks on domestic animals.
Confidentiality and support
All tips are treated with strict confidentiality, and tipsters are offered support throughout the legal process. Only tips that lead to a prison sentence are eligible for a reward.
‘This is a responsible way for civil society to help stop serious crime that affects our shared natural environment,’ says Björn Israelsson, lawyer at the Swedish Predator Association.
Tips can be submitted anonymously by telephone on +4672-236 78 48 or by email to tips@rovdjur.se.
Rules for the Swedish Predator Association’s reward
- The reward applies to tips concerning serious hunting offences or serious hunting theft involving wolves, bears, lynxes, wolverines or golden eagles.
- The tip must lead to someone being sentenced to prison.
- No reward will be given for tips concerning cases where a preliminary investigation is already underway.
- If several people provide tips on the same case, the reward will be divided equally between them.
- The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential and will only be disclosed by agreement.
- The association provides support and assistance throughout the legal process.
- The reward will be paid when a conviction has become final.
- Personal data is handled in accordance with the GDPR.
- The recipient of the reward is responsible for paying income tax and any social security contributions.
- The Swedish Predator Association sends control information to the Swedish Tax Agency.
For questions and more information:
Magnus Orrebrant, Secretary General, Swedish Predator Association
📞 070-516 89 31
✉️ magnus.orrebrant@rovdjur.se