In a move affecting Jura's pastoral landscape, the Swiss government has banned the use of donkeys to guard sheep and goats against wolf attacks. This decision stems from legal stipulations requiring donkeys to have constant contact with their kind, rendering solitary guarding illegal. Additionally, donkeys' poor adaptation to Jura's humid climate and specific dietary needs further complicate their role as protectors.

Despite previous exemptions allowing donkeys as guardians, the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs has revoked these, emphasizing that such practices violate animal welfare laws. The government also notes a lack of scientific evidence supporting donkeys' effectiveness against wolves, leaving farmers to seek alternative protection methods.

Donkeys, originating from arid regions, struggle with Jura's damp conditions and require specialized feed, making them ill-suited for guarding livestock in this environment.