Animal welfare inspectors say they dealt with a sharp rise in neglected dogs and cats last year, when compared with the coronavirus years.

In 2023 the inspection service received 2,760 reports of neglected dogs, up 400 on 2022. Reports of neglected cats rose from 1,528 to 1957, news website Nu.nl reported.

There were a variety of causes, including the pandemic and its impact on the economy, high inflation, and soaring vets’ fees, broadcaster NOS said.

Many people, the inspectors said “bought a cat or dog on impulse during the coronavirus period as a companion and did not think about taking care of them after the crisis.”

“Now our inspectors are finding lots of cats and dogs who are being neglected by their owners who can’t or no longer want to care for them,” chief inspector Marc Jacobs told NOS.

In particular, people on low incomes face a huge financial obstacle to taking their pet to the vet, Jacobs said.

Dogs and cats were also dumped in shelters en masse after the coronavirus restrictions were lifted.