House of Representatives in opposition to much-discussed amendment to the animal law | Inland

The animal party recently celebrated with a real duck pie to celebrate support for their law change. Where there was still a debate in the House of Representatives, the Senate quietly agreed. It was only afterwards that there was a huge commotion about the possible consequences.

The PvdD argues that the adaptation forces livestock farmers to make it possible for animals to display natural behaviour. Pens and stables should be adapted before 2023. Other parties argue that there are many more consequences and that people with pets also have to deal with all kinds of strict rules. For example, a MP from the SGP recently wondered whether dogs are still allowed on the street on a leash.

Align dogs

Outgoing minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture) cannot provide clarity. According to her, the change to the animal party is written so generally that it is unclear what the legal consequences are and how exactly she should implement it.

“Livestock farmers are concerned about whether they can still dehorn cows to prevent them from injuring each other,” says VVD MP Van Campen. According to him, there is great unrest among pet owners and farmers. “There are already very strict guidelines for keeping animals. We would like to call on the cabinet to stick to the existing regulations.”

The call is supported by CDA, SGP, CU, FvD, Van Haga and BBB. This means that there is still no parliamentary majority. Whether the PVV will help the parties to a majority is not yet clear.

Van Campen admits that the new passage in the law with his appeal is not yet off the table. A political statement from the House can help the minister to color in the amendment or encourage them to tinker with the law again.

PvdD MP Leonie Vestering states that the VVD sows unrest. “It’s not about aligning dogs at all. We want ducks locked up in stables to be able to swim in a pond,” says the politician. “With this proposal, the VVD makes enforcement of animal cruelty more difficult.”

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