Ukrainian refugees in Hoorn face losing pets due to relocation

Eight Ukrainian families in Hoorn, Netherlands, are likely to be forced to give up their pets as they prepare to move to a new temporary shelter in September. The families currently reside with their dogs and cats in apartment buildings that are slated for demolition. The new accommodation is a vacant section of the municipal building, where pets are prohibited. The municipality cited reasons of safety, well-being, and health, such as allergies, for all residents in a shared living environment. While pets were permitted in their current demolition-bound housing, new municipal shelter rules will not allow them. This policy mirrors that of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), which generally prohibits pets in its facilities, though Ukrainian refugees are typically housed by municipalities directly. Some municipal shelters, like one in Haren, Groningen, do permit pets, housing around 100 animals alongside 270 refugees. Former veterinarian and volunteer Caroline Ebens criticized Hoorn's decision as unacceptable and inhumane, particularly for a vulnerable population that has already endured significant hardship. Ilona, a 16-year-old refugee, expressed deep sadness over potentially losing her cat, a cherished family member. Local political party Sociaal Hoorn has raised the issue twice with the municipal council, with council member Roger Tonnaer calling the municipality's stance "false" and a "dead end." The municipality maintains the pet ban is not arbitrary but based on health, safety, and welfare considerations, stating that alternative solutions like separating residents or modifying the building are logistically, organizationally, and financially unfeasible and would not sufficiently address the concerns.