Police confiscate 23 toy poodles living in appalling conditions

The animal police seized 23 neglected dogs on Wednesday that were living “in appalling conditions” in an apartment in central Amsterdam, the police reported Thursday. The Singel apartment was extremely filthy. Several of the dogs, which police say are toy poodles, were covered in excrement, and some had parts of their ears or tails removed, which is prohibited in the Netherlands, except in cases of medical necessity.

The dogs were kept in cages that were improperly set up: too small or poorly maintained. Several dogs had filthy, unkempt coats and appeared to be thirsty.

The apartment’s owner is under investigation for animal neglect and document falsification. Police say the dogs’ paperwork, including their passports, was not properly maintained. There are also suspicions of commercial puppy breeding, in which animals are bred extensively for profit, frequently disregarding their well-being.

Police were alerted to the owner after receiving a report. Officers, accompanied by personnel from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, visited the apartment. All 23 dogs have been relocated to a secure facility.

Confiscating so many dogs highlights not just an animal welfare problem but also the illegal puppy trade. According to the police, such abuses persist as long as there is a demand for young, “adorable” dogs.

According to the annual report from the National Animal Welfare Inspection Service (LID), the number of dogs taken into custody has been high in recent times. The LID noted in 2024 that reports of pet neglect had risen, driven in part by financial pressures and the high cost of veterinary care.

Police and the NVWA advise current and future dog owners to be vigilant when getting a dog: verify the breeder, the dog’s background, its housing, and have it checked by a vet. Authorities caution that deals that appear “too good to be true” are often indicators of illegal dog trading.