Starting July 1, 2024, the Netherlands will enforce a new law banning hundreds of animals from being kept as pets. This legislation introduces a “positive list” of 30 approved mammals that can be kept as pets, aiming to end decades of debate over which animals are suitable for domestic life. However, the new rules have sparked a mix of reactions among pet owners and animal welfare organizations.
The new positive list, the result of five years of research by six scientists, aims to address the risks posed to both humans and animals. Tineke Kramer, a veterinarian and virologist involved in creating the list, emphasized the scientific basis of their decisions, stating, “Everything we included in this report is rooted in science. It has been a very careful and independent evaluation.”
Out of the 320 mammal species currently kept as pets in the Netherlands, only 30 will be allowed after July 1. While owners of now-banned pets can keep their animals until they die, this marks the end for keeping exotic species such as the serval, Russian dwarf hamster, chinchilla, and capybara as pets.
Finding the silver lining: Clarity for hybrid pets amid controversy
David van Gennep, director of Stichting AAP, an organization that rescues animals, welcomes the new list. He highlights the clarity it provides, particularly for hybrid species like a marsh cat crossed with a house cat, whose behavior can be unpredictable. “The advantage of a positive list is that there is no ambiguity about animals from different species. We don’t know if they will behave more like a marsh cat or a house cat on any given day.”
On the other hand, some pet owners are unhappy with the restrictions. Critics argue that some animals, like the capybara, have never caused problems, while common pets like the hamster, which are known for being problematic, remain allowed.
Critics cry foul
There is also criticism. According to Marysia Zolik, chairperson of the Platform for Responsible Pet Ownership (PVH), the positive list is “botched”. She points out that animals with significant welfare issues, like guinea pigs and rabbits often kept in inadequate conditions, are allowed. Meanwhile, incidents leading to hospital visits are typically caused by dogs and horses, which remain permitted.
An objection was made to the similar positive list of 2017, among others by the PVH. The organization is planning to do so again and Zolik thinks she has a good case. “The composition of the list is just nonsense.”
Minister Adema of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality let it be known in a reaction that he is confident that the list will stand. “The judge has previously asked for a better substantiation. The independent experts have thoroughly substantiated and carefully weighed the list.”
