Lifting of Dutch fur ban remains in force

LIFTING OF DUTCH FUR BAN REMAINS IN FORCE

The lifting of the Dutch fur ban remains in force despite the High Court appeal from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. This was the outcome of an additional verdict from the court in The Hague in late June. The Dutch Fur Breeders' Association had asked the court to clarify if the appeal to the High Court in fact suspended the lifting of the ban until the High Court reaches a new verdict. Following the lead of Dutch animal rights group Bont voor Dieren, several European animal rights organisations have publicly communicated that the ban is still in force because of the appeal - but that is not the case.

"For the Dutch fur farmers, this was the second clear win over the state in a short period of time, and of course we are pleased with the result. It means that we are in less hurry with regards to the High Court decision," says Wim Verhagen, Managing Director of the Dutch Fur Breeders' Association.

If the original ban on mink farming was in force between the two court cases it would have large impact on the Dutch farmers, since the ban contained a number of restrictions including the opportunity to increase productions and buy and sell farms. A few Dutch farms are in fact restricted by the original ban limitations because the farm owners are not members of the Dutch Fur Breeders' Association.

The vast majority of the Dutch mink famers however, can continue their farming activities without restrictions. Normally, a High Court verdict will land 12-18 months after the verdict of the lower court, but the Dutch Fur Breeders' Association has received no indications of the time frame yet. Neither have they had any indications that the Ministry of Economic Affairs are able to come up with new, convincing arguments for the High Court case, let alone a proper compensation package for the farmers.

"We have taken notice that some politicians, who used to be very noisy about fur farming, are now very quiet in public. It suggests to me that they have run out of arguments," says Wim Verhagen.