Animal welfare requirements

If you keep animals you must satisfy the welfare requirements laid down in the Animal Health and Welfare Act (Gezondheids- en welzijnswet voor dieren, GWWD). The regulations differ according to the type of animal.

Production animals

General welfare requirements apply to all production animals kept by farmers. The farming of calves, laying hens or pigs is also governed by the Calves Production Decree (Kalverenbesluit), Laying Hens Production Decree (Legkippenbesluit) or Pig Production Decree (Varkensbesluit).

Dogs and cats

If your activities are related to the acceptance, breeding, buying or selling of dogs and cats, you will have to take into consideration the welfare requirements from the Dog and Cat Protection Decree (Honden- en kattenbesluit). This, for example, contains rules about identification, vaccination programmes and the minimum dimensions of animal housing units. This applies, for example, to breeders, those that trade in animals, pet special shops, animal rescue centres and boarding kennels. You must have a recognised certificate of professional competence for taking care of dogs and cats as a manager.

The Separation of Animals Decree (Besluit scheiden van dieren) stipulates minimum ages to prevent young animals being separated from their parents too soon. The Decree focuses specifically on dogs, cats, rabbits and various types of monkeys.

Rabbits, mink and poultry

Keepers of rabbits, mink and poultry must observe the welfare standards referred to in the regulations of the Poultry and Eggs Commodity Board (Productschap Pluimvee en Eieren, PPE). The standards relate to, among, others, accommodation, care and checks.

Keeping large numbers of animals

Most municipal authorities ban keeping animals in large numbers. However, if, for example, you breed animals or keep them as a hobby, you can apply to your municipal authority for an exemption from this ban.