The inspectorate recently seized ninety illegally stuffed animals from a 24-year-old trader from Brabant. He owned, among other things, a black bear, lions, monkeys and protected bird species, but could not prove that these had been obtained legally. What are you allowed and not allowed to do with stuffed animals?
In The Netherlands European and international agreements apply to protect endangered animal species. This includes many protected animals and plants CITESan international treaty that protects trade in endangered species of animals and plants. The rules also apply to animals or their products, living or dead.
Anyone who possesses an animal or object of a protected species covered by CITES, such as ivory, skull or skin, must be able to prove that it was obtained legally. This is done with a so-called CITES document or other proof of legal origin. Without that proof, the inspection can confiscate items and the owner can be fined and even prosecuted.
The following also apply to birds EU Birds Directive and the Environmental lawwhich means that the possession and mounting of wild birds is in principle prohibited. Under certain conditions you can receive an exemption from this. For example, the bird must have died through no fault of your own and you must report it to the authorities within three days Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and apply for a unique mark. The bird may not be sold.
Can I put my deceased dog or cat up?
Farmed birds do not fall under these protection rules. You can set it up and own it. This also applies to most pets, which are not protected. You can therefore have a taxidermist mount a deceased dog, cat or guinea pig without a permit.
Additional rules apply to many animals that naturally live in the wild in Europe. This concerns, for example, birds of prey, owls, woodpeckers, beavers, hedgehogs, amphibians and ducks.
Exemption
These animals are protected by European nature legislation and you need an environmental permit to set them up. For such a permit you must be able to demonstrate that it is for research or education. If you can’t do that, you won’t get a permit. Private individuals therefore almost never receive this permission.
Animals such as a hare, rabbit or wild boar are protected native animal species in the Netherlands. It is prohibited to own these animals. There is one important exception: if the animal has been killed by someone who has a permit or if the animal has demonstrably died in the wild without your fault or involvement. Then you are allowed to own the animal and have it mounted.
Environmental permit
You must always have CITES documents for exotic animals such as tigers or monkeys. Sometimes you also have to apply for an environmental permit. If you do not have this, the animals can be confiscated.
Having a stuffed animal in your home is allowed, but not always. Registrations, tags or permits are required for many wild and protected animal species.