Stray dogs are a common feature of cities and communities around the world. According to the World Health Organization, there are over 200 million of these homeless canines globally, and the problem is only getting worse. Despite these alarming statistics, one country has become the world’s first to ensure that every pooch has a home–the Netherlands.
Commonly referred to as Holland, the collective provinces of the Netherlands have a long history of loving dogs. Unfortunately, this love soured over time and led to a surge in homeless animal companions. After decades of work, however, the country has finally found a home for every stray dog within its borders. (1)
How Stray Dogs Became A Dutch Problem
Since the 1800s, the Dutch peoples’ love of dogs has been evident. Paintings from this era depict packs of stray dogs roaming the streets, fighting over scraps and leftovers. Because it was considered a status symbol to own a dog as a pet or for sporting activities–with a pedigree, of course–canine ownership flourished. Poorer populations weren’t to be left out, of course. Mongrel mixes were used as guard dogs and working dogs, often allowed to wander the streets and breed freely.
During the 19th century, an outbreak of rabies in Holland caused many stray dogs to be caught and killed. Laws came into place requiring muzzles and leashes. Dog taxes, aimed at curbing overpopulation, backfired: the people that couldn’t afford to pay turned their pups out into the streets. In those early days, animal welfare was not established. Dogs and humans were often seen more like master and slave than companions–at least to the general population. (2)
Shifting Attitudes Towards Animal Welfare
In 1864, the Dutch established the first animal protection agency. Animal abuse was made a crime in 1886, and a 1912 organization advocated for dogs used as draught animals. Years later, in 1962, an animal protection act was established. And finally, in the late 1990s, an animal health and welfare law passed. Now, the Netherlands even has its own political party in parliament that’s primarily focused on animal rights. (2)
These progressive steps led to a shift in attitude and efforts to make sure all Dutch dogs receive proper care and have a safe home. Certain cities increased taxes on store-bought dogs as well, hoping to get citizens to adopt rather than buy. Additionally, research into the best way to manage stray populations spurred on the use of a new program. (1)
No More Stray Dogs For Holland
Lastly, the Netherlands implemented a key program: CNVR. An acronym for “Collect, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return,” this program works to lower stray populations. It’s much more effective than simply euthanizing unwanted animals; the ones left on the streets only reproduce more. Rather, adding sterile dogs to the population decreases their growth. Combined with the Dutch people’s love of dogs and their animal welfare programs, they’ve effectively eliminated the stray dog population. (3)
With such a long history between the Dutch and their dogs, the right balance has finally been struck. These four-legged friends are now safe, warm, and well with families instead of fighting it out on the streets. It’s hoped that other countries find inspiration to do the same in correcting their stray dog problems.
