# Netherlands animal welfare and veterinary initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-animal-welfare-and-veterinary-initiatives > Updated: 2026-09-25T07:39:31.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) has introduced new initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare and supporting the veterinary sector. A new vision submitted to the House of Representatives focuses on animals outside of livestock farming, specifically targeting responsible breeding to reduce harmful physical traits in dogs and cats. Research from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) identified 26 potentially harmful characteristics, with nine prioritized due to their impact on welfare, including brachycephalic skull shapes and abnormal eyelid positions. To support these goals, the LVVN budget for 2027 and 2028 includes €2 million for strengthening the veterinary profession and ensuring quality through market monitoring. Additional allocations include €7.5 million for animal health and disease surveillance, €500,000 for addressing antibiotic resistance, and €600,000 for avian influenza preparedness. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: Netherlands introduces new animal welfare vision and veterinary funding The Dutch government has introduced new animal welfare visions and a budget for 2027-2028 to support responsible breeding and strengthen the veterinary sector and animal health monitoring. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-introduces-new-animal-welfare-vision-and-veterinary-funding ### 2026-09-16: Wageningen University updates AI policies amid Dutch budget shifts Wageningen University introduces new AI assessment guidelines for 2026, while Dutch privacy watchdog budgets face cuts and healthcare premiums are projected to exceed 2,000 euros annually. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wageningen-university-updates-ai-policies-amid-dutch-budget-shifts --- Cite as: Netherlands animal welfare and veterinary initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-animal-welfare-and-veterinary-initiatives