Wolf reintroduction creates complex welfare questions for wolves themselves, their prey, and domestic animals sharing the landscape.
Wolf reintroduction creates welfare impacts across all species in the affected landscape. Wolves themselves face illegal killing as they encounter livestock and face human hostility. Prey species benefit ecologically but individual animals taken by wolves experience acute suffering. Domestic animals killed by wolves cause economic harm and welfare distress to farmers. The aggregate welfare calculation is complex and requires honest engagement with the costs and benefits for all affected animals.