Bussum's children's farm to close breeding activities by April 2026 under new animal welfare rules
Residents of Bussum face changes at children's farm ’t Mouwtje as the municipality enforces stricter animal welfare standards. The Gooise Pluimvee- en Kleindierenfokkers Vereniging (GPKV) must cease breeding activities by April 1, 2026, impacting animal care and community engagement.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Children's farm ’t Mouwtje, Bussum, Gooise Meren |
| Organization Affected | Gooise Pluimvee- en Kleindierenfokkers Vereniging (GPKV) |
| Deadline for Cessation | April 1, 2026 |
| Policy Implemented | Quality Mark for Animal-Friendly Children's Farms |
| Prohibited Activities | Breeding animals, displaying animals for exhibition |
| Reopening Timeline | Expected around May 2026 school holidays |
| Municipal Support Offered | Assistance in finding care options for animals (not taken up by GPKV) |
| Responsibility for Animals | Rests with GPKV |
The municipality of Gooise Meren is responsible for setting and enforcing local policies, including those related to animal welfare and public spaces like children's farms. This decision reflects their commitment to aligning municipal locations with contemporary standards for animal care and education.
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Municipality clarifies future of children's farm ’t Mouwtje, former deer parks and Hoenderhof (GPKV)
The municipality has noted growing unrest over the decision that the Gooise Pluimvee- en Kleindierenfokkers Vereniging (GPKV) must cease its activities at the children's farm ’t Mouwtje in Bussum by April 1, 2026. Many people feel personally invested in the welfare of the animals, so it is understandable that this issue is causing concern. At the same time, the municipality notes that facts and opinions are often conflated in public discussions. This statement aims to clarify the decision.
Animal welfare as the priority
In April 2025, the municipal council determined that all children's farms in Gooise Meren must comply with the Quality Mark for Animal-Friendly Children's Farms. This includes prohibitions on breeding animals, displaying them for exhibition purposes, and ensuring they have sufficient space to exhibit natural behavior.
The GPKV is an association of hobby breeders. These breeding activities do not align with municipal policy and are therefore incompatible with a municipal location such as a children's farm. The GPKV’s enclosures are situated on municipal land that is part of the children's farm ’t Mouwtje. This is not a separate or independent location.
Councilor Mark Marshall: “The municipality places great importance on animal welfare. That is why, in April 2025, the municipal council decided that all children's farms in Gooise Meren must meet the requirements of the Quality Mark for Animal-Friendly Children's Farms. When exploring new options for the children's farm, we have always emphasized that animals and their welfare must be the central focus. Breeding animals or displaying them for exhibition is prohibited. Animals must also have sufficient space to exhibit natural behavior. The GPKV is an association of hobby breeders. Breeding and the Quality Mark for Animal-Friendly Children's Farms are incompatible. Therefore, the GPKV does not belong in a municipal location such as a children's farm. We have sought an approach that aligns with the values of our time.”
Care and responsibility
There is no question of the municipality culling or euthanizing animals. Nor is this a sudden decision: since November 2025, the GPKV has been aware that animal-related activities at this location must cease.
The municipality has explored whether an alternative location is available within municipal boundaries. This is not the case. The municipality has also offered to assist in finding suitable care options for the animals. The GPKV has not taken up this offer. The responsibility for the animals rests with the association itself.
Future of children's farm ’t Mouwtje
The foundation taking over management is currently preparing for the reopening. The children's farm is expected to reopen around the May 2026 school holidays. The location will be designed as an accessible, educational space where animal welfare is the top priority.