Dutch authorities received over 700 reports of animals suffering in heat this summer

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) received over 700 reports of heat-related issues affecting animals this past summer, compared with 277 reports the previous year. As in 2024, most reports concerned a lack of shade for animals in pastures.

The NVWA attributes the rise in reports to campaigns by both the authority and various animal welfare organizations encouraging the public to report issues, like animals in pastures lacking shade or water. The complaints mainly involved horses, cattle, and sheep.

Over three hundred inspections were conducted by the authority, covering animals in pastures and during transport to slaughterhouses. These inspections took place at 81 locations, and at 34 of them, the authorities found inadequate conditions, lack of shade or drinking water, posing a risk of heat stress for the animals. In every instance, the issues were resolved on the spot by providing shade or water.

By mid-August, 121 incidents were recorded at red meat and poultry slaughterhouses where proper procedures were not followed. The main issue was inadequate prevention of heat stress, such as fans being activated too late or trucks being overloaded. In the most serious cases, the NVWA filed reports, which may result in fines.

Authorities flagged a poultry slaughterhouse for transporting excessive numbers of animals during hot weather, resulting in many animals arriving dead at the facility. “The company is now under increased scrutiny, and the NVWA is investigating the case,” the NVWA stated.