Animal neglect cases in the Netherlands become more severe for third year in a row

The Netherlands National Animal Welfare Inspection Service (LID) has reported that the severity of neglect cases has increased for the third consecutive year. While inspectors previously often dealt with inadequate maintenance, such as untrimmed claws, they are now increasingly encountering harrowing situations where animals are literally starving to death, Hart van Nederland reports.

Inspectors report a growing number of animals found in severely neglected conditions, including homes that are heavily contaminated, situations where animals are not fed, or cases where necessary veterinary care is consistently withheld.

Veterinarians have also reported a sharp rise in cases, with notifications tripling from 100 in 2023 to 321 in 2025. Cats in particular show a significant increase in neglect cases, up by 50% between 2022 and 2024. Meanwhile, the national reporting centre “Save an animal” recorded more than 155,000 reports in 2025, marking a 10% rise year-on-year.

The LID attributes the trend to several factors, including rising living costs and the aftermath of 'pandemic pets.' Many owners who sought companionship during lockdowns now lack the resources for sustained care. With only 25 inspectors performing 16,000 checks a year, the service has reached its operational ceiling.

Since January 1, 2024, legislation has been tightened to tackle animal suffering more severely. A judge can now impose a standalone ban on keeping animals for individuals who abuse or neglect them. For serious neglect, an owner currently risks a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to 19,500 euros.