Over 2,700 animals have been taken into care by the country’s animal inspectors so far this year, and in several counties neglect is increasing. This shows a survey made by TV4 Nyheterna.
Feeling worse – and money – are two of the explanations.
– We believe that the increase in mental ill-health and the economic situation are contributing factors, says Henriette Bonde Nordström, head of unit at the county administrative board in Skåne.
So far this year, the country’s animal welfare inspectors have taken care of over 2,700 animals and in at least seven counties the number of neglected animals is increasing, TV4 Nyheternas’ mapping shows. In Skåne, the number of cares has doubled in the last five years.
In addition to mental illness and financial problems, they see several interacting reasons behind the increase.
– We also see more and more animal owners who keep animals for profit. It can be about smuggled dogs and above all a sale of dogs and a breeding of dogs. And then animal welfare does not come first, says Henriette Bonde Nordström, unit manager for pets at the Skåne County Administrative Board.
Cats and dogs most common
Last year, the authorities found deficiencies in a whopping 72 percent of the nearly 3,000 checks carried out by the country’s animal welfare inspectors, which was an increase of 10 percentage points since 2018.
Cats and dogs of private individuals, but also entire herds of animals in a barn are taken care of. In many cases the animals have to be killed, in other cases the animals are sold to new owners.
Had feces in the fur – now has a new owner
A cared-for animal that has now been sold to a new owner is the North Swedish mare Ester. She was malnourished, had feces on her fur and was never allowed out of the stable.
– It is terrible that animals are so badly cared for that they have to be taken care of in the end. It is probably due to ignorance many times. That people buy a dog or cat but don’t realize what a responsibility it is to take care of an animal, says the new horse owner Katarina.
– She will only be able to feel good here, we will take it easy, try to get muscles on her. Feed her a lot and will eventually ride her in, says Katarina.