A couple from the municipality of Borger-Odoorn must return a dog to the I Respect Animals Foundation (SIRA). The foundation brings street dogs from abroad for better shelter in the Netherlands. The dog had a temporary home with this couple and must be returned, the judge decides.
The older couple had already adopted a dog through the foundation. An adoption of another dog was reversed at the foundation. The couple wanted to take care of the animal temporarily. A contract was drawn up for this. At first things didn’t go well between their dog and the temporary dog. The woman complained via WhatsApp that the animals fought every day. She couldn’t take it anymore.
Almost immediately afterwards, the foundation indicated that it wanted to collect the animal again. The response was that all cooperation would be provided. Considering the age of the couple, a second dog was also a bit much. On March 21, a foundation employee arrived at the couple’s door. The dog didn’t get that anyway. The man in particular had become very attached to the animal and wanted to keep it.
The foundation then reported in a registered letter that the contract had been terminated. And they would pick up the dog. The foundation received no response to this. At the hearing, the couple indicated that they wanted to buy the animal. Their age did not matter. A mobility scooter would be purchased so that the dogs could be walked sufficiently. The fighting between the dogs had stopped. That was no longer a reason to say goodbye to the temporary dog.
The foundation indicated that the loan dog had now been sold to another family. The couple couldn’t believe that. The animal is still for sale on the website, the couple said. The judge believes that the couple must adhere to the contract. It has no right to that animal, even if it wants to buy the dog. The animal must be returned. If this is not done, a fine of 1,000 euros will be imposed per day on which the animal is not returned. Up to a maximum amount of 20,000 euros.
