The Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) on Tuesday demanded a 20-month prison sentence for a 69-year-old dog breeder from Eersel. Over the past 2.5 years, authorities have seized more than 700 neglected animals from his breeding facility.
The prosecutor also requested a 15-month sentence for his ex-girlfriend. Additionally, both are facing a lifetime ban on keeping animals. This was already enforced by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
Years of animal neglect
The NVWA repeatedly warned the breeders about poor conditions at their facility in Eersel. However, the man and woman ignored these warnings.
Inspections revealed that hundreds of animals were kept in small, filthy cages, often surrounded by their own waste. They had little access to clean water or medical care. Over 700 dogs were eventually removed.
In March 2024, the man was given a complete ban on animal breeding, and his facility was shut down. Authorities also found goats, pigs, ponies, and rabbits at the location.
Denial and defense
The man denies all allegations. He claims the NVWA’s findings were false and that his animals were healthy and well cared for. His ex-girlfriend, however, admitted there were issues but blamed them on the rising number of dogs at the facility.
The case gained public attention in 2022 when the Dutch animal rights group House of Animals released undercover footage of the breeding facility. The organization has since filed multiple complaints against the dog breeder.
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