Animal welfare is becoming increasingly discussed in the Brussels-Capital Region, with policymakers introducing new legislation such as shared custody and letting people be buried with their pets.
Following Flanders' and Wallonia's example, the Brussels Regional Government is in the process of finalising its own set of rules aimed at protecting animals. The initial draft was approved this summer and is awaiting further approvals to become law by next spring.
While Wallonia has already implemented a pet ownership licence, Brussels is taking a different approach. Bernard Clerfayt, Brussels Minister for Animal Welfare, clarified that permits for dogs and cats will not be immediately necessary in the capital.
The focus instead will be on specific species that may require specialised care or knowledge; for these animals, potential owners might have to pass an exam or complete training.
Brussels also plans to end the sale and display of live animals at public markets. The decision aims to improve the conditions for animals and discourage impulsive purchases. Clerfayt suggests that those interested in observing farm animals should consider visiting rural areas.
"We are making this decision because of the poor exhibition conditions for the animals, which they are jostled and shaken in the crowd," Clerfayt told Le Soir.
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Travelling to the afterlife with your faithful companion will soon also be possible. For those who wish to be buried alongside their pets, the new rules will make this a possibility. Graves could be reopened to place the remains of pets alongside their owners, fulfilling the wishes of those who opt for this.
The new rules will also extend to family law, specifically divorce cases. Judges will be required to take into account the well-being of pets when determining custody. Clerfayt notes that similar provisions are already in place in Spain and that judges could even consider options such as shared custody for pets.
"We invite the judge to take animal welfare into account, and in certain cases, he may provide for joint custody," the minister said.
Fines of up to €500,000
The proposed legislation will also criminalise the act of ignoring an animal in distress. A new tiered penalty system will also be introduced, with punishments ranging from short prison sentences to hefty fines. The most severe offences could lead to up to five years in prison or fines of up to €500,000.
"The judges will be able to rule on specific circumstances, such as when someone sees an animal suffering and does not take the necessary measures. For example, I know that my neighbour beats his dog every night. I hear it, but I never told anyone... This is failure to assist an animal in danger," Clerfayt explained.
Brussels' forthcoming legislation aims to elevate the standards of animal welfare, mirroring the progress made in Belgium's other regions.
