Outrage at 'abomination' order to pay people £1,500 to kill wolf pups

Detailed summary

Animal rights group have expressed consternation after authorities offered a reward for hunters willing to kill newborn wolves in the den.

American state officials paid thousands of pounds to hunters to kill newborn wolf pups, with at least one entire litter being slaughtered in the den. State officials in Idaho, USA, are reported to have sanctioned the barbaric cull as part of measures to reduce the region's wild wolf population following complaints from livestock farms and the big game industry.

The reimbursement programme paid $2,000 (approx. £1,500) per dead wolf for the hunting season ending in June. It's reported one haul of dead animals claimed for included 12 pups, according to records from the Idaho state fish and game agency.

Expenses paid out for included costs on vehicles, fuel, ammunition and outdoor clothing. An unlimited number of permits are available to hunt wolves in Idaho, with a licence costing around £10 for state residents and £23 for those not from the state.

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