Animal welfare

Almost 87,000 people live in Heerlen, but did you know that many more animals live in our beautiful city? In Heerlen, we care for and protect our residents, but also pets. Both the municipality and you can contribute to this. 

Who does what and where can you Report? 

Many organizations care for the welfare of our animals. But who does what, and where can you Report? Also, check out the tips that improve both our welfare and that of animals, such as the ban on feeding birds!

Animal protection

Is your pet missing? Have you found another animal? Is a wild animal in distress? Or do you need (temporary) shelter for animals due to a domestic crisis such as detention, eviction, domestic violence, death, or hospitalization of the owner? In all these cases, you can contact the Animal Protection Agency. 

To the animal protection agency

Mendoo

Women who turn to Blijf van m'n Lijf Parkstad (Stay Away from Me Parkstad) and women from Parkstad who want to leave their homes due to domestic violence receive help from Mendoo in finding foster homes for their pets. The municipality of Heerlen works together with Mendoo to provide this service.

To Mendoo
 

Animal cruelty

Have you witnessed an animal in distress due to an accident, abuse, or neglect? Or do you need an animal ambulance? Then you can call the central number 144. 

Call 144

National Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority

Do you feel that animal welfare is being compromised at a particular business? Think of farm animals, animals in pet shops, or dogs and cats at breeders.

Report to the National Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority
 

Animal food bank

Unfortunately, not every owner has the means to buy food for their pet and often ends up feeding them their own food. This food does not contain the right minerals and vitamins, which can make animals sick. The animal food bank can help. The following animal food banks are active in Heerlen:

In addition, there are other organizations that can help you if you are temporarily unable to pay for the care of your animal. For more information, visit the website of LICGwebsite.

Veterinarian

Your veterinarian will help if your pet is ill. If your pet has died, you can leave it at the veterinary practice. And if you wish, you can have your pet cremated at Dierencrematorium Parkstad for a fee.

Animal welfare memorandum

In Heerlen, we consider animal welfare to be important. That is why the municipality has established various measures and agreements regarding the treatment of animals within our municipality.

Part of this policy is required by law. Examples include regulations in the areas of safety and spatial planning. We have consciously chosen an approach that aligns with our vision of a sustainable and livable city. That is why we invest not only in people and buildings, but also in nature, biodiversity, and animal welfare.

You can read more about this in the animal welfare memorandum. 

Tips:

  1. Do not release balloons

    Birds, fish, and other animals mistake the balloons for food and become entangled in the balloon strings.

  2. Do not feed ducks and pigeons

    Throughout Heerlen, it is prohibited to feed wild animals such as geese, ducks, pigeons, and other birds. This prohibition is included in the APV (General Local Regulation). Feeding is often well-intentioned, but it is not good for the animals. Bread is unhealthy; it is too fatty and too salty. Food that is left lying around also attracts animals that you would rather not see, such as rats. And because they are always fed in the same places, more and more birds are coming to those places. This causes more and more nuisance from birds and bird droppings.

  3. Use the dog walking areas

    There are several off-leash areas in Heerlen. You are allowed to let your dog run free there.

  4. Choose a pet that suits you

    The websites of the National Information Center for Companion Animals( ) and the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals ( ) can help you choose a pet that suits your lifestyle.

  5. Report animal nuisance

    If you are experiencing problems with rats, please report this to the municipality. To prevent nuisance from birds, there is a ban on feeding birds throughout Heerlen (see tip 2).