The Animal Crime Unit (ACU) is a specialized unit dedicated to combating animal abuse and illegal trade, particularly within criminal networks. Our approach combines investigative work, legal action, and (undercover) investigative journalism, which paves the way for criminal prosecution. The ACU also brings abuses to light through online reports and media campaigns.
At House of Animals, we fight against animal abuse and illegal trade every day. But the scale of organized animal crime calls for a robust, specialized approach. That is why, on May 27, 2025, we are launching the Animal Crime Unit (ACU)—the first specialized investigative unit in the Netherlands dedicated to exposing and combating the criminal networks behind animal suffering.
Led by our very own Karen Soeters, an experienced animal rights activist and founder of House of Animals, the ACU works with specialized undercover teams to expose the most serious cases of animal abuse.
Our research and practical experience show that the animal trade is increasingly linked to organized crime. There is a massive amount of money involved in this industry—the European market value of dogs and cats alone is estimated at over 10 billion euros annually. “Just like the drug trade, the animal trade is a lucrative business for criminals,” says Karen Soeters.
"Animal cruelty has long ceased to be a problem limited to a few unscrupulous breeders and dealers. We are seeing entire criminal networks operating, for example from Eastern Europe. Sick and underage animals are often imported with forged documents and sold through seemingly trustworthy intermediaries to unsuspecting animal lovers in the Netherlands. This must stop. With the Animal Crime Unit, we will expose these networks."
At House of Animals, we believe that real change is only possible if we tackle crime through both law enforcement and public advocacy. That is why the ACU combines legal action, undercover investigations, and investigative journalism.
Together with a team of undercover experts, we gather evidence so that regulatory and enforcement agencies can take criminal and administrative action.
At the same time, we expose abuses through online reports and media campaigns, ensuring that not only the perpetrators are held accountable, but also the systems that perpetuate animal suffering.
The official launch of the Animal Crime Unit took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. House of Animals continues to fight tirelessly for a world in which animals are no longer victims of criminal exploitation.
Animal Crime Unit: the specialized unit dedicated to combating animal crime, led by House of Animals founder and animal crime fighter Karen Soeters.
Among other things, the Animal Crime Unit at House of Animals investigates:
House of Animals has a strong investigative team of lawyers, investigative specialists, and digital investigators, led by animal crime fighter Karen Soeters.
In collaboration with forensic veterinarian Monique Verkerk and the animal police, we collect evidence to bring perpetrators of animal abuse and neglect to justice.
The ACU cares for all animal species—dogs, cats, horses, goats, ferrets, rats, and more. Thanks to our supporters, we were able to make this happen:
