Animal rights groups win court ruling halting the culling of fallow deer in Zeeland

Animal Rights and Fauna4Life won an appeal against the Dutch province of Zeeland’s plan to shoot fallow deer in three areas. A court ruled that provincial officials failed to act with sufficient care when issuing the culling permit.

The organizations filed the appeal in June. They argued that the province had not adequately shown the cull was necessary. They also said alternatives existed to prevent major damage by the deer.

In an interim judgment, the court agreed. It said the Provincial Executive of Zeeland had not proceeded carefully enough in granting the environmental permit.

The court required the province to state within two weeks whether it intends to repair the flaws. The animal welfare groups will then have the opportunity to respond to any revised plans.

Provincial officials drafted the permit in March of last year. It covered the culling of fallow deer on the Manteling van Walcheren, the Kop van Schouwen and Haringvreter Island in the Veerse Meer. The stated goals were to prevent damage to agricultural crops and nature as well as traffic disruptions.

Management plans for the areas set acceptable fallow deer populations at 150 animals on Haringvreter, 80 on the Manteling van Walcheren, and 325 on the Kop van Schouwen.

The court determined that culling is permitted in principle. However, it ruled that Zeeland must provide a stronger justification. The province must show the necessity “in the interest of wild flora or fauna.” It must also properly weigh the interests of the fallow deer themselves.

Animal Rights and Fauna4Life expect the province to immediately halt the shooting of fallow deer. They say this is required now that the appeal has been approved.