A large group of Konik horses in the Oostvaardersplassen were brought to the slaughterhouse today. According to forest ranger Hans-Erik Kuypers, the animals have become too pushy. Visitors who broke the rules caused this behavior.
The horses in the southern part of the Oostvaardersveld have been frequently approached, petted and fed by people in the past year, Kuypers said. “The consequence of this is that the animals sometimes come to holidaymakers as a group. It seems threatening if you walk there innocently and a herd gallops towards you. They come at you, for example they start gnawing at your coat. We don’t want to take the risk of accidents happening.”
Unavoidable
Since no other suitable areas are available to move the horses, the slaughter is inevitable, according to Staatsbosbeheer. “Staatsbosbeheer does not think a life with private individuals is a good alternative. These animals are used to a relatively large habitat, where they can live in social groups in the most natural way possible. Staatsbosbeheer therefore does not sell Koniks to private individuals.”
According to Kuypers, the decision is ‘not easy’. “That’s never pleasant. But we consulted with the team and it became clear that there was no other way.”
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two harems
Grazing by the horses is important for the management of the Oostvaardersveld. That is why the remaining group of 26 animals is joined by two harems from the catchment area in the core area. These horses are not used to people and will therefore keep their distance.
“We are once again making an urgent appeal to visitors: keep your distance from the horses,” emphasizes Kuypers. “Look at the animals, enjoy them, but don’t feed, approach or pet them. Feeding causes the animals to show intrusive behavior towards people. Then we are forced – just like now – to remove the intrusive animals from the area in the interest of the safety of our visitors.”
Signs at the entrance to the area advise visitors to keep their distance from the horses. This will be enforced by supervisors of Staatsbosbeheer.
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