Staatsbosbeheer is allowed to take the approximately 120 Konik horses that are in a catching meadow in the Oostvaardersplassen to a slaughterhouse. A horse passport is required for that transport, and Staatsbosbeheer may apply for this, because the service can be regarded as the holder of the horses in the catching meadow. This has been determined by the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal, one of the four highest administrative courts in the Netherlands.
Staatsbosbeheer wants to have a total of 150 horses slaughtered to further reduce the number of large grazers in the nature reserve. 32 Konik horses have already been taken to the slaughterhouse, writes Flevoland broadcaster. These animals had a passport.
Animal rights organization Animal Rights is against the slaughter and has stepped down to the judge. According to Animal Rights, the passports have been issued unlawfully: Staatsbosbeheer would not be the owner of the konik horses. Only an owner or holder of horses can apply for a passport.
Keeper of the horses
The judge does not agree with Animal Rights. According to the judge, the area manager has the power to dispose of the horses as soon as they are in the catching pasture, because that manager also takes care of the animals. According to the court, Staatsbosbeheer is therefore the holder of the horses in the catching meadow and may therefore apply for passports and then put the animals on transport.
Forestry Commission is been busy for ages to reduce the number of large grazers in the Oostvaardersplassen. Ultimately, 1100 horses, red deer and heck cattle must remain. Previously, horses already went to Texel, Spain and Belarus. An alternative location was also sought for these horses, but this was not successful.
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