Many animals taken away from collector
In a recent operation, the National Animal Welfare Inspection Service (LID), in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), local neighborhood police officers and the police dog surveillance team seized a significant number of animals from an address in the municipality of Echt-Susteren. This action was taken against a person known for collecting large numbers of animals.
Situation of animals worrying
The situation on site was alarming: dozens of neglected dogs, cats, chickens, several ponies, and a newborn foal were found in a severely contaminated house and dilapidated barns. The situation extended to the adjacent pastures, where neglected ponies and horses were also found. All the animals have been transferred to undisclosed shelters, where they are receiving the necessary care and medical treatment.
Punishment for neglect
The person responsible for this situation, the animals' owner, will have to pay for their care and shelter. She has also been fined for neglect, and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) will consider further legal action.
This intervention in the animal collector's case isn't the first. In 2021, after several warnings and sanctions, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) intervened and seized a large number of animals. Despite a court-imposed ban in 2021, which is not yet effective due to an appeal, the owner appears not to have changed her behavior.
During the recent inspection, more than sixty dogs, twenty cats, ten horses and ponies, nearly fifty chickens, and a quail were seized. Many of these animals were in poor health and required urgent medical attention.
Large number of animals removed from collector (dierenbescherming.nl)
Importance of stricter legislation for keeping bans
This case underscores the importance of the new, stricter legislation regarding animal keeping bans in the Netherlands, which was introduced at the beginning of this year. This new regulation allows for the imposition of a ban on animal keeping without it being suspended by an appeal, and allows the judge to impose this ban for a longer period, even lifelong, in the most serious cases.
Efforts of the National Animal Welfare Inspection Service are crucial
The efforts of the LID and other relevant agencies are crucial for protecting animal welfare and preventing animal abuse and neglect. This case highlights the continued importance of oversight and enforcement in animal welfare matters, as well as the need for public awareness and responsibility regarding animal care.
Large number of animals removed from collector (dierenbescherming.nl)
