Rules for shooting rabbits, hare, wild duck, wood pigeons and pheasants are being tightened up, junior environment minister Sharon Dijksma says in Wednesday’s Trouw.

The five different types of wildlife are the only ones which can be shot ‘for pleasure’ in the Netherlands. Under the new rules, hunters will have to submit a ‘shooting plan’ to the provincial council for its approval.

The provinces will be responsible for maintaining biodiversity and will have to ensure hunting is carried out in a controlled manner, the minister told Trouw.

Ban

There is majority support in the Dutch parliament for a complete ban on hunting for pleasure but the biggest party, the VVD, is opposed.

Dijksma hopes the new plan will win over objectors and ensure broad support for the changes in parliament, Trouw says.

The new legislation, which will replace three earlier laws, will be presented to parliament later on Wednesday.