Animal rescue exposes shocking neglect: 11-month-old baby found in Budapest flat

An intervention that began following an animal welfare report uncovered a far more serious situation in Budapest, a severely neglected 11-month-old baby girl had to be rescued from a flat where dogs were also being kept in unacceptable conditions.

Filth and chaos inside the flat

The disturbing case began when the ‘Szurkolók az Állatokért’ Foundation responded to a report and arrived at a property in Budapest’s 15th district. According to initial information, around 11 dogs were believed to be in danger, prompting the rescue operation. However, it soon became clear that the situation extended far beyond animal welfare.

Inside the flat, alongside dogs kept in inhumane conditions, rescuers also found an 11-month-old baby girl lying on the floor.

“According to the animal welfare group, the 11-month-old girl was unable to sit up despite her age, and the back of her head was completely flattened, likely because she had been kept lying on her back for extended periods,” RTL News reported.

Given the severity of the situation, police officers immediately intervened. In a social media post, the animal welfare group praised the professionalism of the officers on the scene. As they wrote in their post, the officers helped safely remove the baby from the flat, remained by her side afterwards, and assisted with her care.

The rescued dogs are currently in quarantine, where their condition is being assessed and veterinary care is being provided where necessary

Proceedings launched against the mother

Several local residents said the family had previously caused issues in the neighbourhood. According to some, numerous people frequently visited the flat, and complaints had already been made to the local municipality.

However, a relative present at the scene told RTL that the allegations were unfounded. They claimed the child had been developing normally, was not in poor condition, and that the situation had been exaggerated due to the dogs. They also denied that the child had suffered any injuries.

Eventually, the police detained the 23-year-old mother, who was later questioned on suspicion of child endangerment. According to the Budapest Police Headquarters, experts will be involved in the investigation, including an assessment of the conditions in which the animals were kept.

“The mother and child were not registered at the property and frequently changed their place of residence, which is why health visitor services were unaware of their situation,” the animal welfare group said, adding that the local authority has also launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, child protection services acted immediately and removed the child from the family. According to the animal welfare organisation, the family will have to leave the flat in the near future.

In another unusual case from Budapest: a pharmacy refused to prescribe contraception citing religious reasons – read here.