Politics · Netherlands · 8 hrs ago
Dutch government plans to ease rules for zoo upgrades
Dutch State Secretary Erkens wants to change rules for zoos that renovate their animal enclosures.
He says zoos that make improvements face extra permits, checks and costs, while those that leave their facilities unchanged can keep operating under existing permits.
Those permits currently last indefinitely.
The government says zoos should adapt as concern for animal welfare has grown.
Artis zoo in Amsterdam says permit applications can require details such as the size and weight of every stone in an aquarium.
The zoo says this makes it harder to adjust an enclosure when animals’ needs change.
Erkens has proposed new rules, but the sources do not say when they might take effect.
Dutch State Secretary Erkens wants new rules to make it easier for zoos to improve animal enclosures.
He says zoos that innovate face extra rules, assessments and permit costs, while those that make no changes avoid them.
Zoos currently hold permits of indefinite duration.
Artis animal-care manager Tjerk ter Meulen says repeated permit applications make it difficult to adjust an aquarium for the needs of its fish.
Erkens says zoos need to keep pace with greater attention to animal welfare.
- Who
- Dutch State Secretary Erkens is proposing changes. Artis animal-care manager Tjerk ter Meulen described the effect of current rules.
- What
- The government plans new rules to make it easier for zoos to improve enclosures.
- When
- The proposal was reported on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Netherlands.
- Why
- Erkens says current rules burden zoos that innovate, while zoos that make no changes face fewer hurdles. He says zoos should keep pace with greater attention to animal welfare.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Proposal
- New rules for zoos are planned
- Current permits
- Valid indefinitely
- Example
- Aquarium stones must be listed on a floor plan, including their size and weight
- Zoo
- Artis, Amsterdam
- Published
- October 12, 2026
What people are saying
At the same time, over the years we have come to attach greater value to animal welfare. It is therefore important that zoos keep pace with the times.
That gives us no flexibility to change it again if the fish need that.
We naturally want to constantly respond to the needs and welfare of the animals. And if we have to apply for a new permit every time for the enclosure, that makes things very difficult.
Sources
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