NGO Loomus, the initiator of the petition said they consider any expansion and legalization of hunting methods to need a public discussion involving all stakeholders and the Estonian public more broadly.

Anny Drobet, volunteer at Loomus, said: "Bow hunting roe deer is cruel entertainment where unnecessary pain and suffering is caused to the animals. As a result of bowhunting, the so-called hunting scrap, where animals are injured but not killed, increases. The further legalization of bowhunting will also boost hunting from a sporting interest."

Since 2013, bowhunting of small game has been allowed in Estonia. The petitioners are opposed to the further legalization of bowhunting. The signatories also call for a public discussion involving all stakeholders, in particular animal rights activists and nature conservationists as well as the Estonian public at large, on the expansion of all forms of hunting.

The petition is supported by NGO Loomus, the Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals, the pro-forest environmental NGO Eesti Metsa Abiks (EMA), the Estonian Green Movement, the Estonian Union for the Protection of Animals, green lifestyle portal Bioneer, the Estonian Wildlife Center and the Koosloodus Foundation.

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