MILAN – A recent hunting expedition near Venice has come under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing Donald Trump Jr. standing beside a dead ruddy shelduck, a species protected under European law.
The footage, published by Trump Jr.’s own media outlet, Field Ethos, has prompted Italian politicians to call for an official investigation into whether the hunting party unlawfully killed the bird.
Calls for an Investigation
Andrea Zanoni, a member of the Europa Verde party in the Veneto region, has urged authorities to take action, emphasizing that hunting a ruddy shelduck is a criminal offense under Italian law. He is advocating for lawmakers to collaborate with Italy’s environment minister to launch an inquiry and, if necessary, revoke the hunting reserve’s authorization.
Trump Jr.’s Response
A spokesperson for Trump Jr. maintains that his group had all necessary permits and was hunting in a legal area frequented by multiple hunting parties. The spokesperson also noted that it remains unclear whether the protected duck was shot by someone in Trump Jr.’s group or if their hunting dog retrieved it after being shot by another party.
Potential Consequences
Italian authorities have yet to confirm whether they will open a formal investigation. Should violations be uncovered, those involved could face penalties ranging from fines to potential hunting license revocations.