Belgium, renowned for its affectionate bond with animals, has witnessed a surge in the consideration of pets' legal rights, marking a noteworthy shift in societal attitudes and the emergence of a novel profession: animal law specialists.
While the field is well-established in France, Belgium is gradually catching up, with colleges and universities starting to offer workshops on animal law, though a formal Master's degree or university certificate is yet to be introduced.
Over half of Belgian households have at least one furry companion, with the country boasting 2.3 million cats and 1.6 million dogs as cherished family members.
The evolving landscape of pet ownership has introduced an increasing concern for their welfare. There is a growing recognition of animals as sentient beings endowed with rights – and therefore entitled to legal counsel when need be.
One intriguing aspect of this emerging legal discipline is its application to divorce and separation cases involving pets. Currently, Belgian law treats animals as property, automatically assigning them to their owners in the event of a split. However, the Brussels-Capital Region is taking proactive steps to introduce the concept of the animal's interest in such cases.
Animal rights advocates say that in these cases the emotional ties between the couple and the animal need to be evaluated. In the absence of specific legislation, proving these emotional connections becomes pivotal, with experts suggesting the use of evidence such as photos and videos. The challenge lies in demonstrating which partner was more involved in the care, feeding, and overall well-being of the pet.
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Other situations where a pet lawyer may be needed include citizens grappling with issues such as landlords refusing rentals based on pet ownership.
As Belgium embraces the evolving dynamics of human-animal relationships, the legal landscape is poised for further refinement to safeguard the welfare of household pets.
