Minister for Nature and Nitrogen, Christianne van der Wal, wants to talk to the provinces about how to deal with the wolf. That is what the nature minister said today in a debate about nature where the wolf was discussed.
How the Netherlands should deal with the wolf is a ‘dilemma’ surrounded by many ’emotions’, says Van der Wal. She understands the fear that some have, but also points out the enthusiasm of others. Moreover, the possibilities for action against the wolf are limited.
The House of Representatives is divided on the issue. Right-wing parties in particular believe that deterring and possibly killing wolves should be possible in order to protect livestock. Thom van Campen of the VVD wants to know how much room the provinces have for this within the law. The SGP and BBB also believe that so-called ‘problem wolves’, who are no longer shy and may attack people, should be shot. The Party for the Animals argues in favor of doing more against “problem people”, who feed wolves, for example.
Van der Wal calls the issue ‘complicated’ and therefore first wants to talk to provinces and the Council for Animal Affairs. She hopes that the Council can contribute to the public debate on how to deal with the wolf. But, she emphasizes, “the legal reality is that it is a protected native species that has returned on its own.”
Van Campen thinks it is ‘very noble’ that the minister wants to start the dialogue, but wonders aloud what this means to farmers “who now see their cattle or sheep lying torn apart on their land”. Laura Bromet (GroenLinks) believes that the minister should practice ‘expectation management’, because the protected status of the wolf cannot simply be circumvented. She finds Van der Wal’s story ‘woolly’.
The wolf is causing unrest, especially in the provinces of Drenthe and Gelderland.