Minister Adema has decided that, from January 1, 2024, deer camps may no longer use the animals for breeding in the Netherlands.
As a result, all 250 deer breeding camps, a.k.a hertenkampen must close within a year.
Minister of Agriculture Piet Adema plans to shut down all deer breeding parks throughout the country as he believes that “the animal is meant to run free,” reports Nu.nl.
Doei deer parks
On January 1, 2024, the government will come forth with a new list of all hobby- and house pets that can be legally kept; unfortunately, deer didn’t make the cut.
It’s a rare sight to come across a wildlife animal in the Netherlands — unless you count that mouse living in your kitchen. 🐭
Though, after careful consideration, only 30 out of 300 assessed animals will be allowed to be kept as pets in 2024. Fallow and red deer didn’t gallop onto that list.
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“Deer have a strong flight response for which they must have the space,” says the scientific advisory board to AD.nl.
Experts believe the animal should be able to roam freely beyond steel gates. So, it’s in the best interest of the deer to have them closed. 🦌
Battling with horns
While this may be a good thing, many people aren’t very pleased. After all, what will they fawn over on their daily run?
Two political parties, PVV and SGP, aren’t too happy about the decision. They believe that deer camps have been around in the Netherlands for centuries, so why end them now?
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It’s that age-old tale of keeping the Dutch tradition alive, again. 🙄
The two parties will have a year to get used to this change. But, it could possibly take longer because although no more deer will be bred, they’ll still be kept in the deer farms until the last one hits the hay.
Do you agree with Piet Adema’s decision? Tell us in the comments below!