How One Country Has Eliminated Its Stray Dog Problem
Can you imagine if every country followed suit?
If I could wipe out anyone’s jobs it would be dog shelter workers and dog rescuers. Not because I want to push people out of doing meaningful work but because that type of work shouldn’t have to exist.
But hear this! Would you believe that it DOESN’T exist in the Netherlands?
Considering how widespread the global stray dog problem is (200 Million-ish to be precise) it’s difficult to imagine that one country has been able to get its poop together and eradicate the issue.
No, the Netherlands didn’t execute a nation-wide stray dog cull. They just exercised plain old common sense and compassion.
It’s actually a bit baffling that other world-leading nations haven’t caught on. (Full shame-vibes intended)
So, how did the Netherlands eliminate stray dogs?
When you hear how simple the solution was you’ll shake your head.
They did three things:
The government tackled the issue head on and enforced a massive tax on store-bought (puppy-milled) dogs. This hefty tax compelled potential dog owners to adopt from shelters instead.
They initiated the CNVR program: Collect, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return. This is a government-funded initiative that carries out neutering, spaying, and vaccinating of stray dogs and it makes total sense. If you cut the issue off at the root there’s no issue. Duh.
And lastly, they launched a pet police force that actually follows through on substantial fines and jail time for animal abuse and neglect. These pet cops also assist in animal rescue.
Imagine if this were the same everywhere.
It feels like the worst thing that happens with animal abuse and neglect in North America is going viral on social media. Meh.
While we’re on the topic of how the Dutch care for animals…
Perhaps the coolest thing I’ve learned is that they have a whole political party representing animals.
It’s literally called the Party for the Animals which was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006.
Can’t get more pro-dog than that, can it?
If any of this comes as a surprise to you, it shouldn’t. The Dutch also treat their humans with dignity and respect. Since 2014, they’ve closed 23 prisons, choosing rehabilitation over incarceration.
Let’s not even talk about how that compares to North American prison systems. I’ll let Netflix documentaries explain that one away.
So there we have it. A clear-cut solution.
Looking at the way the Netherlands takes care of their own makes one wonder why other countries haven’t taken note.
Wouldn’t it be the start of a perfect world if all the heroes working in shelters and rescue organizations could switch jobs and obtain pup-cop badges and political seats?
Us country property owners are used to having unwanted pets released to wander up to our property. Whenever someone doesn’t want a cat or dog, it seems like they just drive out to the countryside and dump it.
So with that, the problem seems to be of not having taught individuals to be responsible. How can we teach people to stop being so selfish? To own up to whatever responsibilities they take on? That’s the root cause of some poor kitty or puppy wandering up to my doorstep because some loser dumped it. The solution can’t be a government mandated fix-and-return unless we start registering every pet owned and muscle our way into every home to take a pet census, handing out dog passports.
The Netherlands 🇳🇱 is a shining example of successful outcomes. Maybe it’s that they care about people as a society & not a vote? They also have a humane assisted suicide law that allows individuals to die with dignity on their own terms. I have visited there many times & am always impressed with something….from cycling safety to parking laws. Now I learn they have handled the stray dog/rescue predicament. That’s just the icing on the Monday cake! Following @niall.harbison and @wearehappydoggo and their efforts & successes in Thailand have seriously opened my eyes to this problem and I am much more engaged & dedicated to the cause. Thanks Kristi!