Strong increase in number of abused animals impounded in Wallonia

Strong increase in number of abused animals impounded in Wallonia

The year 2018 saw a strong increase in the number of animals impounded in Wallonia due to abuse, according to figures released on Wednesday by Walloon Minister for Animal Welfare Carlos Di Antonio. The number went from 256 in 2017 to 923 in 2018. “The minister congratulates the Animal Welfare Unit and the shelters for the work done,” his office stressed.

The number of seizure operations also went up, from 56 in 2017 to 86 in 2018, an increase that is “linked to the nature of the interventions,” explained François Dubru, Minister Di Antonio’s press attaché. “For example, in 2018, 114 cows were seized, which did not happen the year before, and 384 dogs were confiscated as against 96 in 2017.”

The confiscated animals are placed in shelters.

The number of dossiers opened by the Animal Welfare Unit remained fairly stable – 3,454 in 2018 as against 3403 in 2017. Complaints made using the online form went down slightly, from 1,792 in 2017 to 1,452 in 2018. The form, which can be filled in by anyone, was instituted in 2015.

Of the 3,454 dossiers opened, 1,500 resulted in written citations. Other cases were closed with no follow-up after the respective investigations.


The Brussels Times


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