On 19 March, MPs Dion Graus (PvV) and Ines Kostic (PvdD) tabled a motion calling for a ban on reptile fairs (read the motion here: https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/moties/detail?id=2026Z05500&did=2026D12652)
In their motion, they claim that at reptile fairs, the Animals Act and the Animal Keepers Decree are ‘permanently’ (their words) violated. What they are saying is that reptile fairs are detrimental to animal welfare, and that the sellers are trading commercially whilst failing to meet the demanded conditions. By concluding the motion with the claim that ‘animal welfare is seriously compromised in microwave- and noodle bowls that are too small, under appalling conditions’, they are playing on gut feelings. The fact that these Deli cups in question usually contain animals the length of your little finger, and that the ‘appalling conditions’ could not be specified in further detail, is hardly given a second thought in the House of Representatives. Indeed, on March 24th, a majority voted in favour. Motion passed.
Unhampered by any real knowledge of the matter, the motion was simply rushed through. The fact that Wageningen University & Research (WUR) conducted research into reptile fairs relatively recently – commissioned, no less, by this same government – is quietly glossed over (Read the report here: https://edepot.wur.nl/629437). Probably because it’s too much trouble to really try to get grips with the subject matter. The study specifically focused on animal welfare and the risks of disease transmission, both from animals to humans and from animal to animal (also known as zoönoses). The report concluded that the risk of zoönoses spreading was VERY LOW, and regarding animal welfare, it was noted that all animals, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, were transported in sturdy, thermally suitable transport boxes. NO DEFICIENCIES WERE OBSERVED. The final conclusion was therefore that the welfare risks for reptiles at trade fairs proved to be very limited and acceptable. The outcome of that investigation did not fit at all with the picture that Graus and Kostic sought to paint with their motion, so it was disregarded.
Yet another example that shows how important it is to rein in these populist politics and keep it in check. After all, you cannot ban something simply because “you don’t like it”. There must be a reasonable justification underlying it. Sometimes we can correct this in advance, by providing information or by raising critical parliamentary questions. We at the Animalia Foundation regularly succeed in doing this. In this case, however, we have not yet succeeded, and we will therefore have to closely monitor further developments. This makes it all the more important that we are able to continue our work! The fact that the motion has been passed means that the House of Representatives has decided that a policy must be put in place. We must, however, ensure that this policy is grounded in reality and not in Dion Graus’s gut feelings. To achieve this, we will need to do even more to raise awareness among politicians. We really need all the support we can get, so don’t just sit back – take action and help ensure that, together, we can safeguard the future of this wonderful hobby! It would be such a shame to lose it. Protect your hobby and donate to the Animalia Foundation: https://stichtinganimalia.nl/product/word-donateur-stichting-animalia/