The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) on Monday 17 April took 128 cattle into custody at a cattle farm in the province of Utrecht. These animals did not receive the care they were supposed to receive. Police detained the cattle farmer for spitting on and threatening an NVWA inspector. The NVWA is making an official report against the farmer.
NVWA inspectors found many lame animals on the farm. These animals needed immediate medical care. They did not receive it, despite the farmer's obligation to provide it. Animals were also standing in a thick layer of manure and hygiene was not up to scratch. A vet had to put five cattle on the farm out of their misery.
The farm was under enhanced supervision until animal welfare was restored in January 2021. In March this year, inspectors went to the farm again after new reports of neglect were received. Following this inspection, the NVWA ordered the livestock farmer to provide proper care for its animals.
The farmer did not do so, despite his responsibility. Given the history, after the inspection in March, the NVWA immediately placed the farm under increased supervision again and took 128 cattle away. These animals are now receiving proper care at a shelter. 11 calves and around 30 sheep remain at the site as there is no reason to take these animals away at the moment. The NVWA periodically checks whether the livestock farmer is taking proper care of these animals.
Taking into custody means that the government takes over the care of the animals at another, anonymous location. This is done at the animal keeper's expense. In some cases, the keeper gets the animals back. In that case, the keeper will first have to pay the bill and also be able to prove that he is taking good care of the animals. All infringements must have ended.
Source: NVWA
