The Nice Police Court delivered its decision on January 5, 2026, in a case of illegal chamois hunting committed in Venanson, in the Alpes-Maritimes. Three hunters were convicted for acts described as organized and repeated.
The case originated from a report received on September 27, 2024. This report concerned an act of poaching that occurred on the morning of October 8, 2023. The events took place in the municipality of Venanson, in the Alpes-Maritimes. The concerned area is located at Murans, in a mountainous zone.
Following this alert, the French Biodiversity Office opened an investigation. The investigations established that a female chamois kid less than one year old had been killed. The nine-kilogram animal was shot during a hunt attended by the president of the local hunting society. The events also involved a private gamekeeper.
The investigation highlighted the use of a hunting dog. This practice is strictly prohibited in this specific context. Therefore, the animal’s hunting was deemed illegal. The Departmental Federation of Hunters of the Alpes-Maritimes was called upon under a judicial requisition dated October 1, 2024. This body confirmed that the hunting had indeed been conducted by the implicated gamekeeper.
The material evidence was seized during the procedure. The weapon used and the carcass of the kid were placed under seal. By decision of the prosecutor, the animal was subsequently destroyed.
Practices deemed organized and repeated
The investigation conducted by the French Biodiversity Office was not limited to the events of October 2023. The investigations also revealed an organized and repeated nature of the offenses.
On October 13, 2024, environmental inspectors observed a new illegal hunt. This hunt took place in the Claps area, from the Pic de la Colmiane. Three individuals were present at the scene. The president of the hunting society, the private gamekeeper, and a beater made up this group. A dog accompanied this action as well.
The people present were positioned on mountain passes. These positions allowed them to block game pathways. Several gunshots were heard over an extended period. These observations reinforced suspicions of a structured organization. The facts were added to the criminal file.
The case was examined during the hearing on December 1, 2025. The Police Court of Nice handled the case. The Association Stéphane Lamart – For the Defense of Animal Rights, recognized as serving the public interest, acted as a civil party. The request sought compensation for moral and ecological damage.
By judgment rendered on January 5, 2026, the court declared the three defendants guilty. The penalties varied according to each person’s role.
The beater was sentenced to a fine of 300 euros. A suspension of the hunting license for three months was also imposed.
The president of the hunting society received a fine of 500 euros. The decision includes a suspension of the hunting license for one year. The rifle used in the offenses was confiscated.
The private gamekeeper was fined 500 euros. A suspension of the hunting license for six months was decided.
Recognition of ecological damage
On a civil level, the court recognized the existence of distinct damages. The three convicted individuals were ordered to pay sums to the Stéphane Lamart Association – For the Defense of Animal Rights.
Each defendant must pay 300 euros for moral damage. Regarding ecological damage, the amounts differ. One of the defendants was ordered to pay 2,500 euros. The other two must each pay 1,250 euros.
The three convicted individuals were also ordered jointly to pay 800 euros for lawyer’s fees incurred by the association.
This decision marks an explicit recognition of the ecological damage caused to wildlife. The judgment reminds that organized and repeated hunting offenses call for both criminal and civil responses.
The Stéphane Lamart Association – For the Defense of Animal Rights indicates that the action will continue. Efforts will proceed in courts and with public authorities. The stated objective remains full acknowledgment of the severe harm to wild animals through criminal law.
