Holland breaks records as the first country without strays dogs
With about 200 million stray dogs in the world, according to WHO, nations need to start sooner rather than later in trying to lower this amount. One country that has made inroads in this area is Holland.
The country has been so successful at reducing the number of stray dogs on its streets that it has brought that population down to an astounding zero. This makes it the first country to do so.
But how was it able to pull off this amazing feat?
Holland goes from one of the worst to number 1
Before getting rid of its stray dog population, the European nation had one of the highest stray dog populations in the world. Dutch officials finally had enough and decided to do something about it. Thankfully, it didn’t include euthanizing any dogs.
They were able to accomplish this feat through a robust spaying and neutering program, raising taxes, and enacting new legislation. Also, the country’s law enforcement agencies started a new task force geared toward enforcing the new animal welfare laws.
Implementing spaying and neutering programs
The first step in the process was to make it mandatory to spay and neuter most of the stray dog population. This cut down on the number of litters born on the street. In all, the country was able to sterilize 75 percent of the stray dog population.
In addition to spaying and neutering, each dog also received a check-up and was vaccinated.
Raising the tax rate on store-bought dogs
Next, as part of new legislation designed to reduce the number of stray dogs on the street, the country raised the tax rate on store-bought pets. This was done to urge people to want to adopt a pet at an animal shelter instead of buying one in a pet store.
New legislation enacted
Along with the tax rate hike, the government of Holland also enacted new laws that gave all animals, in addition to stray dogs, the right to a healthy and happy quality of life. Those who violate these new laws face a fine of up to $16,000 and three years in prison.
Police task force
To encourage everyone to follow the new laws, the country also put in place a special domestic animal task force. The task force’s job is to enforce the new laws and investigate reports of anyone breaking them. The task force also has the authority to remove an animal from any living situation that it deems dangerous.
Encouraging pet adoption
In addition to all of the above, the country has also instituted a pet-adoption campaign. The result has been nothing short of remarkable, as 90 percent of the people in Holland now have a dog living in their homes. This has amounted to over 1 million neglected, abused, and homeless animals being saved.
Watch the video below for more on the amazing efforts by Holland to make a difference when it comes to the number of dogs living on its streets.
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