Province continues with plans to shoot raccoon dogs despite criticism

In North Holland you were already allowed to hunt raccoon dogs in the areas where the animal was spotted: Natura 2000 area Kennemerland-Zuid and the Naardermeer. The new plan stated that they can also be shot in other places in the province.

This seems to be the end of the story for the raccoon dogs in North Holland. In answers to the PvdD’s questions, the province stated that the animal may also be hunted in other places in the Netherlands.

‘Invasive exotic’

Because it is an ‘invasive exotic’, according to the province, the animal could damage biodiversity and public health due to parasitic diseases. The Party for the Animals asked for clarification on this and forest ranger Arjen Postma previously told NH that the ecological damage that the animal would cause has not been proven.

In addition, according to the forest ranger, it is virtually impossible to eradicate the animal species in its entirety. He pointed to Germany, where the number of raccoon dogs could hardly be contained despite hunting. The PvdD also points to that research.

Nevertheless, the government of North Holland has decided that the population must be reduced to zero. The order is valid until March 1, 2028.