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How did the Netherlands manage to become the first country without stray dogs?

The World Health Organization estimates that there are around 200 million stray dogs in the world. However, the Netherlands does not contribute to this statistic because it became the first country in the world without stray dogs!

The Dutch love their pets. Puppies ride around the city in bicycle baskets, most cafes and restaurants are dog-friendly, they can ride public transport at a reduced price, and some dogs have meals with a different flavor every day. But all that love for dogs is clearly worth it!

The history of stray dogs in the Netherlands

Owning dogs used to be a status symbol in the Netherlands. People of higher class owned dogs as pets or for sporting purposes, and people of lower financial status had dogs for working purposes.

During the 19th century, an epidemic of rabies led to fear of contagion, which led to many owners abandoning their pets. This created a shift in society's views on the relationship between man and dog, where the dog's health was seen as a reflection of the owner's well-being.

During this time, the Dutch government also introduced a dog tax in an attempt to regulate the number of stray dogs in the Netherlands. This had the opposite effect and increased the number of abandoned dogs, as many people were unable or unwilling to pay the tax to keep their pets.

the first animal protection agency was founded in The Hague. A century later, the animal protection law came into force. Thus, it became forbidden to abuse any animal and it is punishable by a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine in the amount of 16,750 euros.

Today, approximately one in five homes owns a pet.

How did the Netherlands manage to eradicate its stray dog problem?

Not through euthanasia!

They achieved this with the CNVR program: Catch -> Neuter -> Vaccinate -> Return

In translation: Catch -> Neuter -> Vaccinate -> Release.

The castration program is funded by the state and has proven to be the most effective way to combat the stray dog population.

Some places tax the purchase of breeding dogs, which has encouraged people to adopt more abandoned dogs from shelters.

If you are just about to decide what kind of dog to choose as your companion, get to know several dogs and find out what your common needs and characteristics are. We don't choose our friends based on nationality, race or gender, so why should it matter if the dog is a purebred or a purebred mix 😉