The European Union has millions of euros ready to protect livestock against the wolf, but the Netherlands is not using it.
That happened at the beginning of last month, because the party wants to lower the protection status of the wolf. In an extensive answer, Brussels points to the importance of protective measures, such as erecting fences. Moreover, according to the letter, these measures can be paid in part from the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy.
At the end of 2021, the Commission still invited Member State governments “to make use of available national and European sources of funding,” writes Luisa Samarelli, an official in the Directorate-General for the Environment. “However, as far as we know, the Netherlands has not used this financing option to date.”
Just like Drenthe, Friesland has many problems due to the wolf. In January, wolves were responsible for 64 dead sheep, mainly in the border area with Drenthe. In Drenthe, 51 sheep were bitten to death by the wolf during the same period, according to DNA research by BIJ12. This organization handles damage claims on behalf of the wolves.
A pair of wolves has found a home in the Drents-Friese Wold. Last summer, this pair gave birth to at least three cubs.