Cabinet restricts dolphin breeding; 22 dolphins can stay in Harderwijk
The cabinet wants no dolphins kept in the Netherlands in the long term, but the 22 animals now at the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk may stay for now.
The cabinet wants no more dolphins kept in the Netherlands in the long term and is restricting the breeding of dolphins in captivity. State secretary Silvio Erkens of agriculture (LVVN) told the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of parliament. The 22 dolphins now living in the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk may stay there.
The cabinet says it is responding to public demand that dolphins are no longer kept in dolphinaria. It also says it remains responsible for the animals already here. No suitable alternative shelter is currently available for them, including abroad. Dolphins born or raised in dolphinaria cannot simply be released into the wild.
Dolphins are intelligent, social and special animals. My conclusion is that we cannot meet their needs in the Netherlands. That is why I want no new dolphins to be bred.Silvio Erkens, state secretary
Erkens is making arrangements with the Dolfinarium so the animals stay well cared for as long as they live. "I do not want this last generation of dolphins to bear the consequences of this decision," he said. He will look for a good future for them with the Dolfinarium, experts and animal welfare organisations.
The government says the revision of the permit system for zoos, which Erkens announced earlier this week, can also help. Cutting unnecessary rules should make it easier for zoos to adapt enclosures and improve animal welfare.
The ministry will work out the necessary measures in the coming months, involving scientists and other experts. Erkens will also hold talks with the Dolfinarium on how its recreational and educational roles can be kept, taking the economic consequences into account.
Tweede Kamer
The House of Representatives, the lower and more powerful house of the Dutch parliament. Its 150 members are elected directly; it can amend bills and holds the cabinet to account.
LVVN (Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur)
The Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature is the government department responsible for farming, fisheries, food supply and nature policy. It is led by a minister, and state secretaries handle parts of its portfolio, including animal welfare matters. Because of this, it is the ministry that sets the rules on keeping animals such as dolphins in captivity.