The Netherlands has zeroed out the number of stray dogs. The country has initiated measures to encourage adoption, animal care and higher penalties for animal cruelty. Practical and effective measures have eliminated the problem of abandoned animals and turned the country into an example for the whole world.

Holanda managed to reduce the number of stray dogs to zero with the help of an adoption incentive, basic assistance and a high fine – Photo: Pexels / Reproduction / ND

The government maintains a program to collect, neuter, vaccinate, and neuter stray animals and impose a fine on anyone who attacks and sells dogs.

There is also a campaign for a pet in the family. Result: Dogs are being adopted every day and the demand is huge.

Public incentives against abandoning dogs

Those who adopt are entitled to basic veterinary services such as castration, neutering and vaccination of stray dogs.

There is even an animal-only police station. The police rescue animals and also control violence and aggression against dogs, whether they are on the street or not.

Politically, the group came together and created the Party for the Animals, which is dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of animals.

cultural significance

For the Dutch, dogs have cultural significance: they are companions, workers and, in some cases, status animals. But it was not always so.

A rabies epidemic in the 19th century resulted in many dogs being abandoned on the street, causing a change in attitudes towards dog owners and their health.

At that time, a tax on animals was established, but the population was not able to pay it, which led to even greater losses.

In 1864, the first animal protection agency was created, and since then, animal rights have been at the forefront of social issues in the Netherlands.

Strictness in law enforcement

In the Netherlands, cruelty to animals is punishable by heavy fines and up to three years in prison. Convicts can pay dearly, up to 1 million reais, and stay behind bars for three years.

And in the country there are criteria by which the population understands what a street dog is:

• to be free
• that are abandoned.
• Or savages who are not cared for by people and who live on their own.

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With information from the R7 portal and Só Notícia Boa.