Huliak Bear Fine: Is the Penalty Excessive?
Slovak Minister Fined Over Stuffed Bear Display at Birthday Party
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A controversial birthday festivity for Slovak Minister of Tourism and Sport, Rudolf Huliak, has resulted in a €500 fine for the Hunting Association he leads. The incident centers around a stuffed brown bear, a gift presented at the party that Huliak himself shot during a spring hunt.
The case, initially reported by tvnoviny.sk, has sparked public debate regarding hunting practices and the display of protected animals.
The Hunt and the Celebration
huliak, who also heads the Hunting Association Očová, shot the bear in the spring of 2024. The animal was subsequently taxidermied and presented as a gift at his birthday party. While Huliak initially maintained he didn’t require an exception to shoot the bear, the Slovak Environmental Inspectorate (SEŽP) disagreed.
The SEŽP investigation focused on the lack of proper documentation regarding the possession of the stuffed animal – classified as an inanimate protected animal. Despite the potential for a maximum fine of €33,000, the association received a significantly lower penalty.
A Surprisingly Small Fine
“In this case, a fine of EUR 500 was imposed,” a SEŽP spokesperson told tvnoviny.sk. the relatively low amount has raised eyebrows, particularly given the hunting Association’s previous infractions, which resulted in a similar fine.
The SEŽP clarified its position, stating, “It was a legally killed bear in collaboration on the management of the brown bear population, not submitting an exception to the possession of an inanimate protected animal.”
Recurring Concerns and Future Compliance
Huliak had attempted to retroactively file an exception for possessing the bear, but the submission wasn’t processed in time. The incident highlights potential gaps in oversight and enforcement regarding hunting regulations and the handling of protected species, even after they have been legally hunted.
While the fine has been issued, the controversy surrounding the display of the stuffed bear continues to fuel discussions about ethical hunting practices and respect for wildlife in Slovakia.
View the gallery (Source: Facebook/Police SR, Topky/Ramon Leško)