The municipality of The Hague and the Haags Dierencentrum are extending their collaboration for the shelter of stray animals. This means that the organization will continue to be responsible for the shelter, care and rehoming of stray dogs and cats in The Hague in the coming years. The Haags Dierencentrum was founded in 1877 and is one of the oldest and largest animal shelters in the Netherlands.
Alderman Robert Barker (Animal Welfare, Outdoor Space & Environment): ‘The Hague Animal Centre has been an indispensable partner for The Hague for many years when it comes to animal welfare. Animals are fellow residents of our city and deserve good shelter and protection. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the employees and volunteers of the Hague Animal Centre, stray dogs and cats are given shelter, good medical care and guidance in finding a new home. With this renewed agreement, we ensure that stray animals will continue to receive the care and attention they need in the future.’
Board member of the Hague Animal Center Sophia Schwarz: ‘The care burden of stray animals remains high. Thanks to the strong partnership with the municipality, we can continue to provide professional care to stray animals that enter the Hague Animal Center with a heavy care profile. We are therefore very grateful to the municipality, the alderman and everyone who has contributed to the new agreements.’
Animal welfare first
In the shelter and care, the welfare of the animals is paramount. That is why the renewed agreement includes that dogs with dangerous behavior receive extra guidance and training. Sick animals, mother cats and kittens also receive the extra care they need.
More than shelter
At the Hague Animal Centre, the animals are not only given shelter, but also medical care, training and resocialisation. They are examined and treated in the internal clinic, after which they are monitored in the quarantine department by veterinarians and caretakers. Then, the animal’s owner is first sought. If that does not work, the Hague Animal Centre will look for a new, loving home.
All animals are also chipped, registered and sterilized or castrated, if the age of the animal allows it. This allows the animals to be reunited with their owner more quickly and reduces the chance that an animal has to be taken in to a shelter.
Text & Image: Gemeente Den Haag, Translation The Hague Online