On Monday, April 14, the preliminary ruling regarding the fallow deer population in Hoeksche Waard was made by the provisions judge. This may be reduced to 40 animals. The implementation is based on the action plan established by the Faunabeheereenheid Zuid-Holland foundation.

This ruling now allows for the execution of the motion ‘First manage, then evaluate!’ (motion number 1574) adopted by the Provincial States. It requested: ‘until the courts ruling in the substantive procedure, to immediately opt for management of the fallow deer to a responsible number regarding traffic safety, damage limitation for agricultural entrepreneurs, and the population in Hoeksche Waard.’

Manage and Monitor

On behalf of the province, the Faunabeheereenheid foundation will start managing and monitoring the fallow deer population. This will occur until the case comes before the court in the substantive procedure.

Significant Damage

The fallow deer escaped in 2000 in Hoeksche Waard and roam in an area designated for agricultural use. Fallow deer do not naturally occur in Hoeksche Waard. They have no natural habitat. A large herd of fallow deer poses a threat to biodiversity, traffic safety, and damage to agricultural crops. Therefore, management is necessary. Besides the doubling of the population every three years, the choice for the survival of a smaller number of fallow deer may eventually lead to diseases, causing the herd to possibly disappear due to unnecessary suffering. In 2020, the province decided that the best management form is to reduce the fallow deer population in Hoeksche Waard to 0.

Final Ruling

The final ruling of the court in the substantive procedure regarding the survival of the fallow deer in Hoeksche Waard is not expected for another two years. More information about the fallow deer can be found on our webpage (opens in a new window)