The Dutch National Animal Welfare Inspection (De Landelijke Inspectie Dierenwelzijn – LID) observed a significant increase in the severity of animal neglect cases in 2025. Gabor van Straten, head of the inspection service, noted that this marks the third consecutive year of worsening conditions for dogs and cats.
Severity of neglect
While the total number of reports regarding dogs and cats decreased slightly last year, the individual violations grew more severe. Inspectors increasingly encounter animals in urgent need of assistance. Common issues include animals receiving little to no food, living in heavily contaminated environments, or being denied necessary veterinary care.
The number of reports from veterinary practices has tripled over the last three years. These professionals reported 100 cases of client-led neglect in 2023, which surged to 321 cases by 2025.
Rising public awareness
The LID noted a striking rise in reports concerning meadow animals, such as goats, sheep, donkeys, deer, and alpacas. These animals often live in public spaces like petting zoos, deer parks, and care farms. Their visibility to the public has contributed to a higher willingness among citizens to report welfare concerns.
To report animal neglect or cruelty in the Netherlands, you can use the following official websites and contact details.
Emergency reporting
For urgent cases where an animal’s life is at risk or you are witnessing an act of cruelty in progress, the primary contact is the national hotline.
144 Red een Dier: Call 144 directly. This is the fastest way to alert the police and the Landelijke Inspectie Dierenwelzijn (LID).
Online reporting portals
For non-emergency situations where you have noticed structural neglect (such as poor living conditions or lack of food), use the specific portals below based on the type of animal involved:
Domestic and hobby animals (LID): Use this for pets, horses, or animals kept at hobby farms and petting zoos.
Commercial and livestock animals (NVWA): Use this for reporting issues at commercial farms, slaughterhouses, or during animal transport.
Reporting anonymously
If you wish to report a crime or serious neglect without revealing your identity, you can contact Meld Misdaad Anoniem.
- Phone: 0800-7000
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
