The number of animals taken care of by the country’s animal inspectors is increasing, reports TV4 Nyheterna.
More than 2,700 animals have been cared for so far this year. Neglect is increasing in several counties, such as in Skåne, where the number of animals cared for has doubled in the last five years.
Last year, authorities found deficiencies in 72 percent of about 3,000 checks made by the country’s animal welfare inspectors, an increase of 10 percentage points since 2018.
An increase in mental illness and a tough economic situation are contributing reasons, according to Henriette Bonde Nordström, unit manager for pets, County Administrative Board Skåne.
– We also see more animal owners who keep animals for profit, she tells TV4.
It may involve breeding, selling or smuggled dogs. To a large extent, it is cats and dogs that are taken care of, but also barnyard animals. Sometimes the animals are sold to new owners, in many cases they have to be killed.