The Region has amended the regulations governing the marketing of killed game, reintroducing lead-based ammunition. Starting April 24, hunting with lead-based ammunition will be permitted again in Emilia-Romagna.
The provision, regarding the hunting of ungulate game, revokes the previous provision that mandated the exclusive use of non-toxic bullets. According to the Region, which is independently pursuing this approach, during selection processes and control plans, it was found that non-lead ammunition is dangerous. In its assessment, the Emilia-Romagna Region also included:
Ministries, in particular the Interior Ministry, as well as the Health Ministry.
The Region addressed the former, pointing out the dangers of non-toxic, monolithic balls due to the high risk of ricochets and deflections. The latter, however, sought a specific opinion on health issues related to lead. According to the Region, both because the amount is very limited and because it is not directly absorbable by the human body, it does not pose a health risk if consumed in the form of game meat.
Supporting the regional order are several scientific and ballistic studies that demonstrate the dangers of monolithic ammunition—which therefore does not contain lead—both in prolonging the agony of the shot animals and in ricocheting, making it dangerous for people, even non-hunters, but even more so for group hunts.
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