Brussels Environment logged 92 complaints of animal cruelty in 2023, marking a 27.5% decrease from the previous year.
However, the number of seizures carried out since 2019 in the Brussels region has shot up by 40%, amounting to a total of 42 confiscations involving 133 animals in 2023, according to Bernard Clerfayt, Brussels minister in charge of animal welfare.
The specifics reveal 54 dogs, 61 cats, eight birds, two rodents, a rabbit, a horse, and six spiders were seized last year.
Many reasons justify such measures: poor hygiene, negligence, mistreatment, undernourishment, illness, and more. Most seizures occur following citizen complaints lodged with Brussels Environment’s animal welfare services.
Once seized, these animals are usually temporarily placed in a shelter, pending a decision on their future.
Fines for animal cruelty can reach 100,000 euros and can even be coupled with imprisonment or prohibition of custody.
A new animal welfare code, proposed by Minister Bernard Clerfayt, anticipates a steep rise in fine amounts, possibly leading to 500,000 euros for the most severe infractions.
Simultaneously, the code plans innovative tools for sanctioning offenders, such as community service focused on animal welfare, added Minister Clerfayt.
