Dutch animal inspectors report record rise in neglected pets, especially cats
The National Animal Welfare Inspection Service in the Netherlands handled a record number of reports of neglected pets last year, with a dramatic increase particularly among cats, according to the agency’s annual report obtained by RTL Nieuws. Inspectors reported regularly encountering “neglect, aggression, and severely filthy homes.”
The inspectors acted 16,000 times last year. Reports from veterinarians rose sharply, reaching 252 in 2024 compared to 100 the previous year. Anyone can file a report via the national reporting point 144, and professionals such as veterinarians can also contact the inspection service directly.
The number of notifications involving neglected cats surged explosively, while reports about dogs, birds, horses, and rabbits also remained high. But the severity of these cases has steadily increased.
Inspectors Jolanda and Wilfred recently arrived at a heavily contaminated residence following a report from concerned neighbors through the national reporting number, 144. Inside the home, they found piles of cat feces, a strong ammonia smell from urine, and dozens of garbage bags scattered throughout. Open cans of cat food lay on the floor.
“What you smell is the ammonia from the cat’s urine,” Inspector Jolanda told RTL. The red cat urgently needed veterinary care. “He has almost no whiskers left, and his teeth are severely inflamed.”
The inspectors spoke with the owner, who expressed a willingness to care for the cat but admitted he was currently unable to do so. Jolanda said, “He wants to help the cat and take care of his animal. Only he can’t manage now. So we will help. We will save the animal.”
Jolanda and Wilfred typically handle between four and ten reports daily. “We regularly see these kinds of neglected homes. Neglect of animals and neglected homes often go hand in hand. And yes, often it’s even worse. Sometimes the ammonia smell makes you cry and cough,” Jolanda added. “I never finish all my work in one day,” Jolanda told RTL. Last year, authorities imposed 571 fines and animal seizures.
The 25 inspectors of the National Animal Welfare Inspection Service, an independent agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, dealt with a record number of reports last year. They encountered everything from untreated flea infestations and overweight or emaciated animals to severely polluted homes.
Most reports come from concerned neighbors via phone number 144, but professionals such as veterinarians also contact the agency regularly. Marc Jacobs, head of the inspection service, told RTL, “We see a huge increase in the neglect of pets. This is most noticeable among dogs, but even more so with neglected cats.” Additionally, there are nearly daily reports involving horses, ponies, rodents, and rabbits.
Jacobs attributed the increase in neglect partly to lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people acquired pets. “What we also see strongly is that the costs of animal care, especially veterinary care, have risen. Because of these high costs, people can no longer afford treatment. That leads to increased neglect, and then things go wrong.”
The inspectors’ work carries risks. “It’s not unusual that when I leave a home, I’m covered in fleas. You have to be very careful about hygiene,” Wilfred told RTL. Jolanda noted, “In recent years, I have also seen more aggression. People have a shorter temper.”
Inspectors have the authority of special investigation officers and supervisors and intervene in multiple ways. “We will save the animal. We make sure it gets to the veterinarian. And the owner also receives help. We bring attention to that,” Jolanda explained.
When asked why they do this work, Wilfred told RTL, “It is a passion. I started out in the police force, but I consciously made this switch.” Jolanda agreed: “Everything I can do to improve animal welfare, I gladly do.”
