News item | 08-10-2025 | 17:00
State Secretary Jean Rummenie brought a working visit to the Schaapskooi Epe-Heerde this afternoon. He did this at the invitation of the province of Gelderland and a number of Gelderland municipalities. The visit took place in response to the incidents in recent weeks on the Noord-Veluwe and the fire letter of 22 Veluwse and 4 Central Gelderse mayors about the increased presence of wolves in the region.
The State Secretary shares the concerns of mayors and citizens and cooperates with the provinces on the national approach Wolves and national measures in which these concerns are taken and tackled.
During his visit, the State Secretary entered into conversation with Schaapherders, one of whom affiliated with the Schaapskooi and some concerned residents of the municipalities of Epe and Heerde. He also spoke with the mayors of Heerde, Epe, Barneveld, Ermelo and Putten and deputy Harold Zoet of the province of Gelderland. At the end of his visit, he received two petitions from concerned residents of Heerde and Epe.
Quick increase number of incidents with wolves
In the recent period, the number of incidents with wolves on the Noord-Veluwe has rapidly increased. There were, among other things, attacks of wolves on dogs from the sheep residents and the area. Walkers with dogs were also approached and attacked a few times, and the number of attacks on farm animals is increasing.
Call for more powers
There are great concerns about safety in the region. The residents present offered a petition in which they express their concerns and ask for more measures to be able to intervene quickly. Mayors and the deputy once again emphasize the urgent interest that they get more powers and clear frameworks to intervene in the event of danger.
State Secretary Jean Rummenie: “The increasing number of wolven incidents is alarming. I share the concerns of mayors and entrepreneurs about this. In a small and densely populated country as the Netherlands, there is limited room for the Wolf. That is why good policy is essential. We do everything we can to prevent incidents, and if they still occur, I want to act quickly and actively.”
Mayor Olaf Prinsen of the municipality of Heerde: “It was not for nothing that we, as 26 municipalities, have sent a letter of fire. More and more people are worried about the Wolf. We are happy that this is being taken seriously and that the State Secretary is coming to the spot. And Veluwe municipalities hope that this will lead quickly to take action.”
Deputy Harold Zoet of the province of Gelderland: “I am seriously concerned about safety. Recent figures from BIJ12 and the Fauna Management Unit Gelderland show that the number of wolves in the Veluwe is growing further and further. More incidents cannot be delayed. I therefore endorse the calls of the mayors to be able to intervene quickly and accurate.”