The “Refuges en Colère” Collective, which brings together nearly 80 shelters and associations from Wallonia and Brussels, has just achieved an important first victory.
On Wednesday, July 2, representatives of the collective were received for nearly two hours by Minister-President Adrien Dolimont, who presented them with a series of concrete measures aligned with the demands that shelters have been voicing for weeks.
These announcements are the result of a movement that began in early June with the filing of a strike notice. They represent a major turning point in the recognition of animal welfare in Wallonia.
Among the measures announced:
- Tougher penalties for abuse and increased inspections, including crackdowns on illegal online animal sales.
- A mandatory 3-day waiting period before any animal ownership permit is granted.
- Immediate suspension of the permit in the event of animal seizure.
- Strengthened seizure procedures and better-regulated adoption contracts.
- A ban on home slaughter.
- An end to the sale of animals at markets, which often leads to impulsive purchases and subsequent abandonment.
- Special attention will be given to the rigor of seizure procedures and the management of appeals. The Minister has the necessary legal and political tools at his disposal, and we expect them to be fully used in the service of animal welfare.
The collective remains extremely vigilant: these announcements must now be swiftly translated into action on the ground, with concrete and lasting means.
As a gesture of goodwill, the strike notice has been lifted and the July 9 demonstration has been canceled.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the mobilization.
The Veeweyde Team