Neglected Animals Rescued in Haasdonk: Police Seize More Than Thirty Animals

Over the past week, more than thirty neglected animals were captured, but only the news became known. The police discovered the tragic situation after complaints were reported to the local forest conservator. 29 dogs, several cats and a parrot were found.

The Wase Animal Protection was called to capture the animals and took 29 dogs and a parrot.

“This is in the top five of the worst cases we have seen for over 50 years,” said Dirk Vermeulen from Wase Animal Protection. “We had to look for the animals in the house with flashlights. Sometimes we find dirty homes, but here it was very dirty. One of the officers who entered the building came out vomiting due to the overwhelming smell of ammonia.” (Read more below the picture)

In the meantime, they have been looked after with the utmost care. “We already gave them the first care,” said Dirk. “At first we cut off all the hair, but that wasn’t easy. It was hard to find the dogs under all the matted hair. The animals were very antisocial at first, but now they are happier in our kennels. They have a light now and they will get attention.”

Dirk and his team from the Wase Animal Protection Society didn’t have to travel far to collect the animals. “We work throughout Flanders,” says Dirk Vermeulen from Wase Animal Protection. “Surprisingly enough, we didn’t have to drive far and the incident took place in the Stuurstraat, behind our corner. There were already complaints a few years ago, but it was only now that the alarm bells were rung. “

Despite the harsh situation, these animals are still not condemned. “We are hopeful that we can move the majority,” said Dirk Vermeulen. “Although the court has not decided on this yet. Our attention is now particularly focused on the animals to bring them back to their former glory. Almost every animal had a Dutch chip. “