The World Health Organization estimates that there are over 200 million abandoned dogs in the world. Although some will say that it is impossible to eradicate, the Dutch abandoned dogs prove otherwise. The Netherlands has become the first country to successfully eradicate the problem of abandoned dogs. Here's how they did it…
The stray dogs of Holland now all have happy homes
The Netherlands may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of places with abandoned dog problems, but they certainly have problems. In the 1800s, having a dog was a status symbol in Dutch homes. The more dogs you had, the better. An outbreak of rabies in the 1900s, however, forced many people to abandon their pets, leaving them to fend for themselves on the streets.
Free on the streets, these animals, of course, mated and multiplied, and very soon stray dogs were everywhere. Finally, the authorities decided it was time to do something about it.
A team is needed
In order to find a solution to the problem of stray dogs without euthanasia (selective killing to reduce the animal population), they gathered a team of people. This team included:
- Legislators
- Public health officials
- Associations for the protection of animals
Working together, they came up with a comprehensive plan to completely rid the Netherlands of abandoned dogs
1. Sterilization
The biggest factor contributing to the expansion of the abandoned dog population in the Netherlands was breeding. Two dogs have a litter of puppies, the puppies that survive into adulthood breed further and have litters of their own, and the cycle continues.
The Netherlands has implemented a strict sterilization program for all abandoned dogs throughout the country. In just a few months, over 75% of this population were castrated so that the number of new puppies decreased.
Each neutered dog then underwent a comprehensive examination and received all the necessary vaccines that they did not receive as puppies. This brought the spread of rabies and other diseases under control.
2. Legislation
Laws on the protection of dogs and other animals were a necessary step in preventing the abandonment and abuse of dogs.
The law on animal welfare entered into force, which applies to all animals, incl wanderers abandoned dogs, given the right to a quality life. The fine for violation of this law is HRK 100,000.00 and 3 years in prison.
Of course, a team of people is needed to implement the new laws or nothing will change. For this, the Netherlands created a special group to enforce these laws and verify the reports of anyone who may be violating them.
Laws were also adopted that increased taxes on purchased purebred dogs. The goal was to encourage people to adopt dogs, instead of buying them.
3. Campaign
The last goal, of course, was to find homes for all the abandoned dogs. The Dutch organized nationwide campaigns encouraging people to adopt dogs instead of buying from breeders. They showed people that when you adopt a dog, you save it from a life of abuse, neglect and hunger. You give him something he couldn't have before: a home filled with love.
We're all in this together
What made this campaign so successful was that the government and citizens worked together to solve this problem, not against each other. Today, 90% of the Dutch population owns dogs that they love and care for, and over a million dogs have been rescued from the streets.
Congratulations Netherlands!
Maybe Croatia will decide to follow this positive example!
A team consisting of members of the Ministry of Agriculture, veterinary inspection, municipal police and the police, in cooperation with Friends of Animals and other associations, could certainly generate positive results, only someone needs to start the initiative, and everyone needs to show the will towards the same goal.
#addlove #woffwoff #tvornicapsecihsnova #udominebuy
Author: Morana Barbara Lučić
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