Varkens in Nood
Varkens in Nood is a Dutch non-profit foundation, founded 1997 and based in Amsterdam, that campaigns, educates, and litigates to end the suffering of pigs in intensive livestock farming, funded by private donations and staffed by veterinarians, scientists, and lawyers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersKlein Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Varkens in Nood does
Varkens in Nood (Stichting Varkens in Nood) is a Dutch non-profit foundation founded in 1997 by writer J.J. Voskuil and tax lawyer Hans Baaij in the wake of the classical swine fever outbreak that led to the culling of 11 million pigs. Headquartered in Amsterdam at Tilanusstraat 8b, the organization campaigns, educates, and litigates to end the suffering of pigs in intensive livestock farming in the Netherlands. It targets routine practices including tail docking (affecting 99% of Dutch pigs despite a 30-year ban), farrowing crate confinement, taser abuse during transport, premature weaning of piglets, illegal transport of sick animals, and inadequate slaughterhouse surveillance.
The foundation combines three reinforcing delivery mechanisms: (1) community-led petition campaigns — running multiple concurrent campaigns with signatory counts ranging from 11,500 to 58,000+, primarily through varkensinnood.nl, a bimonthly newsletter, and broad social media presence; (2) strategic litigation against the Dutch State and the NVWA, supported by law firms Stibbe and Soeverein Advocaten, with multiple Court of Administrative Law victories on farrowing crates and enrichment materials; and (3) investigative and earned-media operations using undercover and drone footage, resulting in coverage on HLF8, Jinek, Hart van Nederland, NOS, NRC, and Trouw, plus TV/cinema campaigns created with agency Part of a Bigger Plan and celebrity-fronted newspaper/poster campaigns. It runs a Donatieplatform (Mollie-powered, iDEAL/credit card), a Bobbie pig-adoption recurring donation program, tax-advantaged giving, and bequest programs, alongside school presentation kits for primary schools.
The organization operates with 11 permanent staff supplemented by freelancers, including a veterinarian (the director, Frederieke Schouten, who also heads sister organization Dier&Recht with whom it shares an office), an animal scientist, a biologist, a jurist, a policy officer, and a communications team. It is a member of a ten-organization animal welfare coalition and holds ANBI and CBF certifications. It is funded entirely through private donations and occasional project-specific foundation grants; revenue is not publicly disclosed. Governance is provided by a board and a four-member Raad van Toezicht including academics from Utrecht University and Wageningen University.
Varkens in Nood firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Varkens in Nood
- Legal name
- Stichting Varkens in Nood
- Website
- https://varkensinnood.nl
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Varkens in Nood is a Dutch non-profit foundation, founded 1997 and based in Amsterdam, that campaigns, educates, and litigates to end the suffering of pigs in intensive livestock farming, funded by private donations and staffed by veterinarians, scientists, and lawyers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Varkens in Nood is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Klein Amsterdam
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Varkens in Nood business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Particuliere donaties (Private Donations): Varkens in Nood is volledig afhankelijk van particuliere donaties. Als zelfstandige organisatie ontvangt de stichting inkomsten uit eenmalige giften en doorlopende donateurschappen. Voor sommige projecten ontvangt men steun van fondsen.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Varkens in Nood product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Varkens in Nood (Stichting Varkens in Nood) is a Dutch animal welfare foundation that campaigns, educates and litigates to end the suffering of pigs in intensive livestock farming. Its core activities include running online petition platforms, conducting undercover and drone investigations of pig farms and slaughterhouses, publishing research reports, producing TV/radio/outdoor campaign materials, and filing strategic lawsuits against the Dutch State and industry to enforce the Wet Dieren and AMvB Dierwaardigheid.
Product overview
Varkens in Nood is a Dutch animal welfare organization (stichting) focused on ending the suffering of pigs in intensive farming. The organization operates primarily as a campaigning and advocacy nonprofit rather than a technology product company. Its core offerings include an online petition platform for征集ing public support on pig welfare issues, a bimonthly newsletter for donor engagement, an online donation system, and various educational resources. The organization conducts undercover investigations, publishes research reports, initiates strategic lawsuits against the Dutch State, and creates campaign materials (TV spots, radio ads, posters) to raise public awareness. Key campaigns include the taser ban initiative, piglet-mother separation advocacy, curly tail preservation, and slaughterhouse oversight. The organization is supported by donations from private individuals and foundations, and collaborates with sister organization Dier&Recht on legal proceedings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Petitieplatform (Petition Platform) Online petition platform enabling citizens to sign and share campaigns on pig welfare issues including taser ban, piglet-mother separation, illegal animal transport, and slaughterhouse oversight. Targeted at the Dutch general public to pressure government and industry.
- Nieuwsbrief (Newsletter) Bimonthly newsletter informing subscribers about campaigns, legal victories, and calls to action. Delivered 2x per month to registered email addresses of donors and supporters.
- Donatieplatform (Donation Platform) Online donation system enabling one-time and recurring donations via Mollie payment processor (iDeal, creditcard), including tax-advantaged giving options and inheritance giving for supporters of the foundation.
- Spreekbeurtpakket (School Presentation Package) Educational materials package for primary school students about pig welfare, enabling children to deliver classroom presentations on animal rights and factory farming topics.
- Bobbie Adoptieprogramma (Bobbie Adoption Program) Virtual adoption program allowing supporters to symbolically adopt a pig named Bobbie, providing a recurring donation mechanism and emotional connection to the foundation's advocacy work.
- Rechtszaken en Juridische Procedures (Legal Proceedings) Strategic legal proceedings against the Dutch State, NVWA, transport companies and retailers demanding enforcement of animal welfare laws including the Wet Dieren and AMvB Dierwaardigheid.
- Rechtenvrije Foto's (Rights-Free Photo Library) Rights-free photography library of conventional pig farming available for media and journalists via Dropbox to illustrate stories about the pig industry, with attribution to Varkens in Nood required.
- Onderzoeksrapporten (Research Reports) Published reports documenting animal welfare issues including undercover investigations, NVWA inspection reports analysis, and policy recommendations for legislative change.
Quantifiable outcome
- Rechtszaak over afleidingsmateriaal voor zeugen: College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven stelt Varkens in Nood in het gelijk; NVWA moet handhaven.
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Varkens in Nood
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Varkens in Nood technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Varkens in Nood partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Stichting Dier&RechtcoreVarkens in Nood werkt nauw samen met zusterorganisatie Dier&Recht. De stichtingen trekken voornamelijk samen op in rechtszaken en andere juridische procedures. Varkens in Nood en Dier&Recht zijn in één kantoor gevestigd te Amsterdam. Veel medewerkers zetten zich in voor beide stichtingen. Frederieke Schouten is directeur van beide organisaties.
- StibbecoreAdvocatenkantoor Stibbe ondersteunt Varkens in Nood als juridisch adviseur in rechtszaken tegen de Staat, met name inzake het routinematig amputeren van biggenstaarten.
- Soeverein AdvocatencoreSoeverein Advocaten ondersteunt Varkens in Nood als juridisch adviseur in rechtszaken tegen de Staat over biggenstaartamputatie.
- De Roos & PenminorStrafrechtadvocaat Marnix van der Werf, partner bij De Roos & Pen, ondersteunt Varkens in Nood bij strafrechtelijke aangifte tegen transportbedrijven wegens dierenmishandeling met stroomstootwapens.
- Eyes on AnimalsminorOnderdeel van een coalitie van tien dierenwelzijnsorganisaties die gezamenlijk een brandbrief stuurden aan minister Adema over het verlagen van de maximumtemperatuur voor diertransporten naar 25°C.
- Wakker DierminorOnderdeel van de tien organisaties tellende dierenwelzijnscoalitie voor strengere transportregels en gezamenlijke campagnes.
- World Animal ProtectionminorPartner in de dierenwelzijnscoalitie voor strengere diertransportregels.
- Compassion in World Farming NederlandminorPartner in de dierenwelzijnscoalitie voor strengere diertransportregels.
- CAS InternationalminorPartner in de dierenwelzijnscoalitie voor strengere diertransportregels.
- Vier VoetersminorPartner in de dierenwelzijnscoalitie voor strengere diertransportregels. Ook ondersteuner van de 80 BN'ers-campagne 'Voor mij geen bio-industrie' via Kieskompas-onderzoek.
- Caring VetsminorPartner in de dierenwelzijnscoalitie voor strengere diertransportregels.
- Caring FarmersminorPartner in de dierenwelzijnscoalitie voor strengere diertransportregels.
- Animal RightsminorAnimal Rights tekende samen met Varkens in Nood beroep aan tegen de Gelderse ontheffing voor het afschot van wilde zwijnen bij een varkenspest-uitbraak. Rechtbank Gelderland vernietigde het besluit.
- Fauna4LifeminorFauna4Life was mede-indiener van het beroep tegen de Gelderse ontheffing voor het afschot van wilde zwijnen.
- Part of a Bigger PlanminorCreatief bureau verantwoordelijk voor de 'Wat als je kat een varken was?' tv- en bioscoopspotjes, gemaakt in samenwerking met cabaretier Martijn Koning.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Varkens in Nood competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Fauna4Life: Dutch NGO focused on wildlife and wild boar welfare that co-litigated with Varkens in Nood. Comparable legal-advocacy approach but with a wildlife rather than livestock mandate.
- CAS International: Dutch animal welfare organization focused on stray animals and international welfare issues. Coalition partner with comparable advocacy tactics but a distinct primary mission.
- Caring Vets: Dutch veterinary professionals' network advocating for animal welfare. Smaller, narrower focus but aligned on-farm welfare reform and a coalition partner.
Direct peers
- Compassion in World Farming Nederland: Dutch arm of an international NGO focused on ending factory farming. Highly comparable mission, donor base, and EU-level policy advocacy, with a broader international footprint.
- Animal Rights: Dutch animal rights NGO that co-litigates with Varkens in Nood (e.g., the Gelderland wild boar case). Comparable in its multi-issue advocacy and litigation-driven strategy.
- Wakker Dier: Dutch animal welfare NGO campaigning intensively against factory farming practices, sharing supermarket-ranking, petition, and political-pressure tactics. Closest direct peer in terms of mission, GTM motion, and Dutch advocacy context.
- Eyes on Animals: Dutch-rooted NGO focused on animal welfare during transport and at livestock markets. Directly comparable investigative and policy focus on transport abuses, and a coalition partner.
- Dier&Recht: Sister organization sharing office, staff and director with Varkens in Nood; focuses on legal advocacy for animal rights. Most directly comparable in operating model and co-located governance structure.
Broad incumbents
- Vier Voeters / Four Paws: International animal welfare organization with Dutch operations. Comparable on welfare campaigning and coalition work but operates a broader portfolio across multiple species and geographies.
- World Animal Protection: Global animal welfare NGO with a Dutch national presence. Comparable as a coalition partner on transport issues but operates a much broader thematic and geographic mandate.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Varkens in Nood social profiles
Digital presenceVarkens in Nood compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Varkens in Nood financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Varkens in Nood leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Varkens in Nood funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Varkens in Nood M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Varkens in Nood
What does Varkens in Nood do?
Varkens in Nood (Stichting Varkens in Nood) is a Dutch animal welfare foundation that campaigns, educates and litigates to end the suffering of pigs in intensive livestock farming. Its core activities include running online petition platforms, conducting undercover and drone investigations of pig farms and slaughterhouses, publishing research reports, producing TV/radio/outdoor campaign materials, and filing strategic lawsuits against the Dutch State and industry to enforce the Wet Dieren and AMvB Dierwaardigheid.
Is Varkens in Nood a public or private company?
Varkens in Nood is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Varkens in Nood founded?
Varkens in Nood was founded in 1997. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Varkens in Nood based?
Varkens in Nood is headquartered in Klein Amsterdam, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does Varkens in Nood make money?
One revenue line is on record: particuliere donaties (Private Donations).
Who are Varkens in Nood's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Fauna4Life, CAS International and Caring Vets. Direct peers are Compassion in World Farming Nederland, Animal Rights, Wakker Dier, Eyes on Animals and Dier&Recht. Broad incumbents are Vier Voeters / Four Paws and World Animal Protection.
Does Varkens in Nood have an API?
No public API is recorded for Varkens in Nood.