Spoiled food, too long hooves: owner of animal rental company must answer to court | RTL News

Some animals had overgrown hooves and claws, which meant they could no longer walk normally. Dogs were kept in dark, cramped cages and did not get enough daylight. Several dead animals were also found in a broken carcass cooler. In addition, the company would not report or incorrectly report the supply or removal of dogs and pigs, the Public Prosecution Service said.

The company must answer for the observed animal abuse, neglect and incorrect registration of animals. This concerns a total of seven cases. Five against Bert’s Animal Rental and two against the driver.

“The Public Prosecution Service accuses the company and the driver of having committed various criminal offenses. Investigation showed that several animals did not have sufficient food or water and were kept in dirty stables,” says a spokesperson.

Multiple criminal cases

There have been several criminal cases against the company for years. Previously, in 2019, a judge decided that Bert R. could no longer rent out animals. Yet he continued, including renting out his mobile petting zoo. It was not only in the Netherlands, but also in Belgium.

The owner also continued to illegally breed dogs. The municipality of West Maas en Waal imposed numerous penalty payments on the company. The fines have now risen considerably, against which the owner is taking legal action.

Last year, the court in Gelderland declared the company bankrupt.

Neglected animals

Animal welfare organization House of Animals previously made a Woo request for access to NVWA reports about Bert’s Animal Rental. Many abuses were recorded on 703 pages, including extremely thin and severely neglected animals.

The organization writes that the NVWA has recorded 327 animal welfare violations in six years. The rental company received a total of 38 checks.

Everything in one day

The matters discussed today cover the period January 2019 to April 2023 and will now all be dealt with in one day.

Previously, trials were postponed for various reasons. Not today, at the end of the day the public prosecutor will make a demand.

According to Bert R.’s lawyer, he takes good care of the animals. The lawsuit affects Bert very much. He has no need to be in the media.