Dutch cabinet: no export ban on dogs to Israel
The Dutch cabinet says it currently has no legal or practical means to regulate or ban the export of dogs to Israel, writes the cabinet in a letter to the House of Representatives addressing the implementation of a parliamentary resolution. Dogs exported from the Netherlands could be used in Israel as detection dogs, guard dogs or fighting dogs. A majority in the Dutch parliament opposes the export of dogs to Israel.
According to the cabinet, it is not feasible to place such dogs under the European export control regime for dual‑use goods. The European Commission and EU member states see no possibility of classifying animals as goods with both civilian and military applications. A renewed review has not changed that conclusion.
National export ban?
Other options, such as a national export ban, have also been found to be neither effective nor feasible. A unilateral Dutch measure would have limited impact if other EU member states did not introduce similar rules, according to the Dutch cabinet. In addition, there is insufficient support within the EU for sanctions against Israel that would make a specific export ban possible.
"Highly undesirable"
The Dutch cabinet says it shares parliamentary concerns about the use of attack dogs against Palestinians and calls it “highly undesirable” that dogs exported from the Netherlands could contribute to unlawful actions.
In discussions with the companies involved, the government has pointed to their responsibility to conduct international business responsibly and to the Netherlands’ discouragement policy regarding illegal Israeli settlements. Those discussions will continue, says the minister.
