A state of tension

We care for our captive animals and prefer to leave wild animals alone. But that is not always possible. And then the question is: when should humans intervene, and how? In its advisory report A state of tension, the Council on Animal Affairs (RDA) concludes that each situation requires a tailor-made approach, as well as a broad view of the issue and clear decision-making. Whether something should be done in a particular situation always depends on the circumstances, the context, the legal frameworks and ethical aspects.

The RDA believes it is important that a consideration is timely, complete, transparent and insightful, and has developed tools to help with this. By using these tools, it becomes clear what direct and indirect consequences a particular measure can have, or what the consequences are if humans do not intervene. It must be clear for each decision how the consideration was made.