The high word is out: after the devastating fire, Esdégé Reigersdaal immediately stops the livestock farming and dairy department at the Klompenhoeve. This is confirmed by the healthcare organization. What that means for the 250 goats is not yet clear. “If they don’t get sold, I’m afraid they’ll be killed,” an anonymous employee said.
In the goat shed of the care farm on Hoeverweg a big fire raged a week and a half ago. Firefighters prevented the flames from spreading. Miraculously, all 250 goats also survived, but the stable was completely destroyed.
A few weeks before the fire, it was revealed that Esdégé Reigersdaal de wants to close the dairy department and the livestock farm of the care location. For more than 40 years, counselors and clients have been making traditional and organic products from goat’s milk – sold there by organic stores across the country. But that would not be profitable for years.
Cause unknown
Rumors that the fire was deliberately lit due to the closure, including in reactions on social media, loomed after the fire. According to an employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, there would have been about 1,000 liters of sunflower oil in the stable.
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But nThe cause of the fire can only be guessed at. “The fire brigade and insurance expert have established that the cause cannot be determined,” responds Peter Muller, spokesperson for Reigersdale.
Takeover of goats uncertain
Employees were convened last Wednesday about the closure of their department. Because they are not officially client counselors, they probably have to look for a new job, the anonymous employee explains.
“It is very sad, but I also feel relief, because I now know where I stand. Hopefully we can make a new start, because I am afraid that it will be the end of the exercise for the goats.”
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Of the goats are currently there 100 collected by a farmer in Schagerbrug. The other 150 stay with a farmer in Noordbeemster. According to the employee, the vaccination passport of the animals has not been in order for several years. “Those animals never had to travel, so it was decided not to perform a certain blood test to rule out diseases.”
Trauma to clients
Without this status, a possible takeover of the animals is not possible, says the employee. “That would be a disaster for the clients, even traumatic. They love the goats and often have a favorite animal. But who is going to pay for such an investigation?”
Questions about a possible missing vaccination passport will not be answered. The spokesman for Reigersdaal does say that talks are underway with the farmer from Noordbeemster about a possible takeover. Whether that would concern all 250 goats is not clear.
For the clients, a suitable daytime activity is sought at a different location. “This is tailor-made and it will take some time until everyone has a good place,” explains Muller. A new daytime activity is being developed at the location of the Klompenhoeve. “We are investigating what is possible in that area.”