Dutch horse breeder under criminal probe over alleged illegal semen exports

A criminal investigation has been launched into a horse breeder in Opsterland over the alleged export of horse semen without proper certification, Omrop Fryslân reports.

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) confirmed it opened the investigation after visiting the breeder of Friese horses in February. The breeder is suspected of exporting horse semen without the required documentation. Exporting horse semen requires multiple certificates. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority charges a starting fee of 174.66 euros, followed by 54.11 euros per 15 minutes.

The case is being handled by the Functioneel Parket in Amsterdam. The Functioneel Parket is a national division of the Public Prosecution Service specializing in complex fraud, economic crime, and environmental offenses, working closely with enforcement agencies such as the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

The breeder said he was not aware of any criminal investigation and insisted his operation meets the highest standards. He added that the business recently acquired a facility where mares from abroad are bred, after which they are returned to their owners once pregnant.

For exports outside the European Union, semen is processed at another stable in Fryslân, where stallions are kept in quarantine for several months. The semen is then frozen and sold internationally.