Utrecht province tightens wolf damage compensation rules

The Province of Utrecht is tightening the conditions for compensation regarding damage caused by wolves. According to data from Bij12, wolf attacks often occur when livestock owners have implemented insufficient or no protective measures.

Starting next April, most municipalities in Utrecht will require proof of adequate protection before damage compensation is granted. Veenendaal is the sole exception, granting owners a one-year grace period to implement measures following recent attacks in the area.

To support these transitions, the province has tripled its subsidy fund for wolf-resistant fencing from 100,000 to 300,000 euros. Subsidies, capped at 20,000 euros per application, are available to owners of various livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, horses, ponies, and donkeys. Eligibility for fencing subsidies will be determined by attack frequency; areas experiencing more than three attacks within a six-month period will qualify.