Emergency intervention in Jemeppe-sur-Sambre: two animals rescued from a severely neglected home
On July 6, 2025, the Animal Disaster Team (ADT) was mobilized at the request of the Jemeppe-sur-Sambre Police for a delicate animal rescue operation in a severely neglected home.
The intervention followed the hospitalization of the resident, who suffers from Diogenes syndrome—a condition that leads to the excessive accumulation of objects and waste.
Upon arrival, the situation was deeply alarming. The interior of the house was completely overrun with trash, excrement, and various waste materials, making movement extremely difficult, if not impossible. The level of neglect posed a serious threat to the health and well-being of both humans and animals.
Our teams rescued two animals, each confined to a separate room and exposed to life-threatening conditions:
- A dog was found shut inside a closed-off kitchen, living in total isolation—without stimulation, hygiene, or comfort. Our trained team carefully removed the animal and transferred him to our partner Sans Collier, where he is now safe and receiving proper care.
- A cat, confined to the veranda, was rescued by the team from INNI, an organization specialized in feline care. The cat is now in a secure environment, receiving close attention and support.
We sincerely thank the Jemeppe-sur-Sambre Police for their vigilance and trust, as well as our dedicated partners Sans Collier and INNI, whose ongoing commitment to animal welfare gives vulnerable animals a much-needed second chance.