Hunting is planned to be allowed in Jurmala 0 13

The project has been developed based on the Hunting Law, which grants local government the right to establish hunting regulations in the city when wild animals pose a threat to residents, infrastructure, or the environment.

The local government notes that the administrative territory of Jurmala contains extensive forest areas, water bodies, and drainage systems, where wild animals are regularly observed, and their actions may pose risks to society and infrastructure. In recent years, the amount of damage caused by beavers to drainage systems in Kemeri, Sloka, and Priežaine has significantly increased, leading to local flooding, inundation of bike paths, and damage to private property.

Road traffic accidents involving game animals — roe deer, moose, and wild boars — are also regularly recorded in the local government area. The local government points out that such incidents threaten the safety of road users and may create additional risks if an injured animal enters a populated area.

Since the beginning of 2022, 53 traffic accidents involving game animals have been registered in the administrative territory of the local government — including 35 roe deer, seven moose, five wild boars, and two red deer. In 2025, 11 roe deer, two moose, one deer, and one boar were involved in traffic accidents.

Foxes have also been spotted in urban areas, especially near the Mellužu railway station and the Bulduri Technical School. The presence of animals in these locations poses a threat to residents and pets, as well as increases the risk of the spread of epizootics.

According to the Food and Veterinary Service, in October 2025, a dead wild boar infected with African swine fever was found on the beach in Majori. Additionally, in the area adjacent to Kemeri in the Tukums region, cases of wild boars infected with African swine fever have been repeatedly recorded this year.

The aim of the regulations is to ensure that wild animals do not threaten public order and safety, reduce the risks of the spread of epizootics, and prevent damage to the environment, infrastructure, and private property. It is emphasized that hunting activities do not always mean the extermination of animals — they also include humane capture and relocation of animals to safe, suitable habitats outside populated areas.

The council also points out that there are no alternatives to address such issues in the city outside the framework of legal regulation, so it is necessary to issue these regulations.

According to the draft document, hunting will be allowed in the administrative territory of the local government, except in cemeteries. When hunting in the local government area, the use of hunting firearms equipped with silencers, small-caliber hunting weapons, and hunting equipment will be permitted.

The prerequisites for hunting in the administrative territory of the local government will be determined by the Coordinating Hunting Commission established by the Jurmala council.

Residents can express their opinions on the draft mandatory regulations until February 12.