Yes, keeping roadkill in the Netherlands is permitted under strict conditions. The Dutch Wet natuurbescherming (Nature Conservation Act) allows retrieval of deceased wildlife if reported to the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) within 24 hours. However, protected species (e.g., birds of prey) require immediate notification to the Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (NVWA). Unreported possession risks fines up to €10,000.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Netherlands
- Species Protection: Only non-protected species (e.g., foxes, rabbits) may be kept without permits. Protected species (Annex IV of the Habitats Directive) must be reported to NVWA within 24 hours.
- Reporting Obligation: All roadkill must be logged via the RVO’s Dode Dieren Meldpunt (Dead Animal Reporting Point) before any use, including disposal or processing.
- Use Restrictions: Carcasses may not be sold, gifted, or used for human consumption. Processing (e.g., taxidermy) requires a Natuurbeschermingswet exemption from the Provincie (Provincial Authority).
Local Provinciale Staten may impose additional bylaws; consult your provincial environmental department for region-specific rules. The 2026 revision of the Wet natuurbescherming tightens reporting for large mammals (e.g., deer) to curb zoonotic disease risks. Failure to comply with NVWA or RVO directives constitutes an administrative offense under the Wet algemene bepalingen omgevingsrecht (General Provisions Environmental Law).