The challenges of sheep farming and the threat of wolves: a painful night in the Plungė district
On the night of 17-18 May, on the sheep farm of farmer Laimonas Zaveckis in the Plungė district, wolves inflicted severe damage, killing as many as 28 sheep: 13 lambs, 15 of their mothers, and injuring another 7 animals. This was reported by Agrobite on 18 May. This is not the first, but one of the worst attacks suffered by this long-time farmer with a flock of 600 breeding sheep – Lithuanian Blackheads, Texels and crossbreds.
„Our sheep – are not just animals. They are part of the family. Each has its own character and their genetics – are very valuable. Such a loss is painful not only financially, but also morally“, – says farmer Laimonas Zaveckis.
Despite the three-band electric shepherd, spotlights, radio and constant nightly checks, wolves are getting bolder. They jump over fences, approach people and are not afraid of tractors or the human voice. One evening, the farmer himself watched a wolf up close – it did not move even when he approached with his machinery.
According to Zaveckis, the wolf population in the region is growing rapidly, and hunting is hampered by reserves and national parks where shooting is prohibited. The procedure for obtaining permits to hunt wolves is lengthy and hunters are not always willing to undertake this difficult and responsible activity.
„Farmer's fields – like a wolf playground“
She said that in the last three years alone, up to 30 wolf attacks have been recorded every year in the Plungė district. Damages are compensated according to the norms set by the state, but "money will not replace breeding lambs", Montvydienė stressed.
She stresses the need to change the regime and to create conditions for more effective management of the wolf population, especially in regions where protected areas are located. „We have a national park where shooting is not allowed, even though there are many wolves. We need to talk about reducing the population – it is really too high in Lithuania.“
Farming – it's more than a job
Despite the challenges posed by wolves, farmer Laimonas Zaveckis continues to be determined. „It's not just a business – it's our life. Sleepless nights, lambs being born, rescue situations – it's all part of everyday life. And we do it all with love.
His story – is not just about sheep. It's a story about the patience, determination and love of a country man for animals, about systemic problems and the need to find solutions in the balance between the interests of man and nature. This situation – is not an isolated case, but a growing problem throughout Lithuania. It is time to take real action – for people, for animals, for the future.
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