Of the 272 offences, 65% concerned farm animals and 35% domestic animals.
Over the last five years, 13,700 farm animals have been killed to end their suffering as a result of animal abuse. This form of animal euthanasia is provided for in the Animal Welfare Bill and the costs are covered by the state.
The majority of animal welfare violations involved inadequate animal housing, improper food, or neglect of hoof care.
When an offence is reported, veterinary inspectors are sent out to conduct checks. If the situation does not improve after this visit, the case is referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This occurred 62 times in the last five years, resulting in fines for 15 people.
The vast majority of cases referred to the public prosecutor’s office involved regular animal abuse or a lack of adequate food, drink, or care. A total of 250 animals were seized, mostly cattle, chickens, rabbits, birds, dogs, and ducks.
These figures were provided by Minister of Justice Sam Tanson and Minister of Agriculture Claude Haagen in response to a parliamentary question by MP Jeff Engelen from the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (adr).
