Breeding Farm Sneakhof in Veeningen wants a hunting exemption to be able to hunt foxes at night. The predator has foreseen it on the flamingos on the farm. Because the province does not want to issue a hunting permit, the company and the province today faced each other at the Council of State.
In addition to a hunting permit, owner Gerrit Vos van de Savavelhof is claiming compensation of more than a tonne for damage suffered earlier due to the fox attacks. Although he shares his last name with the fox, the breeder of exotic animals, transporter and trader is certainly not a fan of the predator.
“In recent years that has cost me at least 60 flamingos. A flamingo costs 1,500 euros, times 60 flamingos is 90,000 euros. All in all I estimate the damage between 100,000 and 130,000 euros.” Because not only are Flamingos bitten dead, the remaining animals are so upset that they hardly lay any more eggs and raise chicks.
“But I am really not just about the money. This would all have been prevented if we were allowed to hunt foxes with light boxes at night. Because foxes come to the light,” said Vos.
The owner of the Savavelhof made it clear to the highest court that he would also have been very helped with a provincial exemption to be allowed to hunt foxes. “We have 20 hectares of land and it is forgiven by the predators. I want to take good care of my animals, I am known worldwide as someone with a heart for his profession. We help zoo with the installation and moving of animals. I would not help but what I do now. But without means to fight the fox, I am empty -handed.”
Around the Flamingo farm there has been an ‘impenetrable’ fence for years that is also under 6,000 Volt electricity. Yet smart foxes always find a way to get through or under the fence.
But according to the province, that is not enough to issue a hunting permit. According to a spokesperson, the flamingo holder can take numerous additional measures to prevent the fox from strolling on its lands, such as walking rounds at night to cut the fox the pass. But the owner of the farm does not like this.
“How does the province see that for itself. We have been working all day and then we would also have to walk over our lands for nights. When should we sleep?”
Within a few weeks, the Council of State makes a decision about the hunting exemption and Vos’ claims claim.