Concerns over livestock heat stress; Animal abuse fines to rise 40 percent
The Dutch government will increase fines for companies that mistreat animals by 40 percent and introduce new monitoring measures to prevent livestock suffering during heat, including drone surveillance, State Secretary Silvio Erkens told the Tweede Kamer. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) also issued updated enforcement guidance on heat stress in animals in the same period.
Erkens said penalties for violations of animal welfare rules must increase to better reflect responsibility in the sector. The higher fines apply to offenses such as improper animal transport and failure to treat sick animals in time.
“The bad apples will be dealt with more harshly, and for companies that do comply with the rules we are going to remove administrative burdens,” Erkens said. “Companies that work with animals carry a special responsibility, because their actions have direct consequences for animal welfare, food safety, and society. That is why I have decided to increase the fines that the NVWA can impose for the first time since 2013 by 40 percent based on inflation. This is a first step to make this system fairer and smarter.”
The government said the higher fines are expected to take effect on July 1, 2027. Officials said procedural steps are required before implementation. In the meantime, serious animal welfare violations will be placed in higher penalty categories to strengthen deterrence.
The government also plans to expand targeted enforcement using technology, including online monitoring tools and drones, to improve inspections and prevent animal suffering.
The NVWA separately outlined a pilot program that will analyze geodata of natural landscape features to identify areas where livestock may lack adequate shelter. Drones will then be used to inspect those locations in the field.
The agency also reiterated that livestock farmers are responsible for preventing heat stress during warm weather. Heat stress occurs when animals become unhealthy due to high temperatures. Symptoms include drooling, sweating, trembling, staggering, or lethargy.
The NVWA said a lack of shade or drinking water during hot weather is a violation, even if animals do not yet show symptoms. Such violations may result in fines. Shade can be provided through trees, hedges, umbrellas, flat trailers, or shade cloths, the agency said.
The NVWA said: “A good and timely preparation by livestock farmers prevents heat stress in animals during hot days. That is what NVWA inspectors see during inspections in warm periods. From previous years it appears during inspections that the availability of shade and/or drinking water is often, but not always, in order. While this can usually be solved on the spot. The NVWA therefore calls on livestock farmers to be extra alert this summer and to take timely measures to prevent heat stress in animals.”
On animal transport, the NVWA said carriers must obtain certificates for transporting animals during high temperatures. The agency said it has seen transporters submit applications even when high heat is already expected. Such applications are rejected. The NVWA urged companies to avoid submitting or to cancel requests when heat risks are foreseeable.
The agency also reported a rise in public complaints about animals in heat in recent years. It said many reports cannot be acted on due to missing location details or images, and because of limited enforcement capacity. Each report is assessed based on risk to animal welfare, and inspectors often first contact the animal owner by phone, which frequently leads to quick resolution.
The NVWA advised the public to first assess the situation and contact livestock owners when possible before submitting reports about animals showing possible heat stress.
