How The Netherlands Resolved Their Homeless Dog Issue
The Netherlands became the first country with no homeless dogs in 2016. How did this happen? In the early 1800s when owning dogs was a symbol of high social status, nearly every household had at least one dog. However, when there was a rabies outbreak, people abandoned their dogs on the streets (which was not against the law in those days). As a result, every city became overrun with homeless dogs.
Dutch Animals Act
In 1864, the government established the first animal protection agency to address the issue of animal rights. Since that time, animal welfare has been an important responsibility in Dutch society.
In 2011, the government created the Dutch Animals Act for all categories of animals. It acknowledges that all animals are sentient beings: They have thoughts, feelings and awareness (API, 2020).
The Animals Act includes Five Freedoms of animal welfare: Freedom from suffering from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or disease; freedom from fear or distress; and the freedom to express their natural behavior (Voogt, et al, 2023).
Companion Animal Welfare Laws
The government created companion animal protection laws and policies: Owners who neglect, abuse or abandon their pets are punished with up to 3 years in prison and have to pay a fine of $16,000.
In addition, the government began charging high taxes for pedigree dogs bought from stores or breeders.
Moreover, they conducted a nationwide campaign that encouraged people to “Adopt. Don’t shop”. Moreover, the government offered incentives such as tax breaks to people who adopted homeless dogs. The campaign was a success. As a result, 90 percent of the population adopted dogs.
Animal Police Protection
The government appointed special officers called Animal Police to be in charge of protecting the welfare of dogs and other pets.
The Animal Police officers make unannounced home checks to ensure the safety and proper care of pets. In addition, they patrol the street to make sure no one mistreats or abandons dogs. Furthermore, the officers are able to quickly reunite any lost dogs with their owners.
Happy Outcome
These days, Dutch people are aware of animals’ sentience and are compassionate towards them. Now, there is better treatment of all types of animals.
Happily for canine companions, all dogs in the Netherlands have forever homes. Even better: they are welcome to go into stores, restaurants, and other public places
Well done, The Netherlands!
As evidenced, every country can resolve the heartbreaking issue of homeless dogs by following the example of the Netherlands.
References
Animal Protection Index (API)(2020). Netherlands: Recognition of animal sentience and prohibition of animal suffering. https://api.worldanimalprotection.org/country/netherlands
Voogt AM, Ursinus WW, Sijm DTHM and Bongers JH (2023). From the Five Freedoms to a more holistic perspective on animal welfare in the Dutch Animals Act. Front. Anim. Sci. 4:1026224. doi: 10.3389/fanim.2023.1026224