Activists in Latvia have called on the President and Parliament to urgently assess the situation in Kemeri National Park after the reported deaths of dozens of animals in the Dunduri Meadows. In a letter, they highlighted significant animal mortality within a fenced area where the preservation of taurine cattle and Konik horses has been taking place since 2004, raising concerns about potential environmental risks. Thus far, 79 dead animals have been documented in the area.

The activists criticize the lack of action from the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (VARAM) and the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM), both of which have claimed that assessing the situation falls outside their direct competencies. VARAM has pointed to the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) for further inquiry, while ZM insists that the responsibility lies with the Nature Conservation Agency. This shifting of responsibility has left the activists frustrated and doubtful about the thoroughness of any investigations into the alarming mortality rates.

The growing concern over animal welfare and environmental risks in Kemeri National Park highlights the need for a consolidated response from the Latvian government. With increasing pressures from activists and the public for accountability, there is a clear demand for urgent action to address the apparent negligence in managing the protected area. The situation could set a precedent for how such environmental concerns are handled in Latvia moving forward, especially amid ongoing discussions about biodiversity and conservation efforts in the country.