Environmentalists take Italian regions to court over hunting calendars

As Italy's hunting season approaches, a group of animal rights organisations is mounting legal challenges against several regions that have moved to open the season early, The Local Italy reported on Tuesday. The groups argue the hunting calendars violate national and EU laws protecting vulnerable bird species.

The dispute centres on regional decisions to set earlier start dates, which environmentalists say come before scientific assessments have been completed. Italy's regions have autonomy over hunting schedules, but conservation groups contend that this discretion is being used to bypass environmental safeguards.

The cases are being heard in regional administrative courts, with rulings expected in the coming weeks. The outcome could reshape how hunting is regulated across the country, particularly in regions with significant rural and agricultural constituencies.