Take animal cruelty seriously and report it

Every year, 100,000 animals are mistreated in the Netherlands, estimates the National Expert Center for Animal Cruelty (LED). These include such things as broken bones, internal bleeding and head trauma. Yet the National Expert Center for Animal Cruelty (LED), which celebrates its fifth anniversary on November 16, receives only a few reports each year. "That's terrible for the animals that are left in an unsafe situation because of this," says health care psychologist and coordinator at the LED Nienke Endenburg , "at the same time, this causes us to miss possible signals that it is not only animal cruelty but also of domestic violence and child abuse. "Animal cruelty is often either a precursor or a sign that violence is more common," Endenburg explains. "What if that person who comes to the vet with an abused animal is also experiencing domestic violence at home? By not reporting it, you miss the opportunity to be able to do more than just for the animal." She therefore calls on all veterinarians, if they suspect animal cruelty, to always report it to meldpuntLED.nl. Veterinarians can upload their findings and material such as videos and X-rays in the secure environment of the LED hotline.