topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2249.25 -0.94
DAX 6739.59 -0.72
IBEX 30 8844.1 -0.65
CAC 40 3405.71 -0.55
FTSE 100 5881.84 -0.23
AEX 323 -0.65
DJIA 12890.46 0.05
Nasdaq 2927.23 0.39
FTSE MIB 16644.36 -0.06
TSX Composite 12497.94 -0.18
ASX 4322.6 -0.79
Hang seng 20783.86 -1.08
Straits Times 2960 -0.71
ISEQ 20 502 -0.34
You are here: Home News Belgian News Only 1 Belgian zoo complies with animal welfare laws

Belgian News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


20/08/2008Only 1 Belgian zoo complies with animal welfare laws

A recent study carried out by the animal rights group shows only one in 15 zoos complies with laws designed to protect wild animals.

20 August 2008

BELGIUM – Only one of Belgium's 15 zoos complies with laws designed to protect wild animals that are held in captivity, according to a study carried out by the animal rights group GAIA.

Members of GAIA visited the zoos during the past 12 months to see if they respect legislation designed to ensure animal welfare and visitor safety. The educational value of the zoos was also looked at by GAIA.

Only the wildlife park at Saint-Hubert in Luxembourg province was found to comply with laws designed to ensure the welfare of its animals.

All seven Flemish zoos were found to have shortcomings. Even the prestigious Planckendael Animal Park near Mechelen in Antwerp province was found to be lacking in certain areas.

Aviflora in Ingelmunster (West Flanders) and Malter Park near Ghent were found to be the worst when it comes to caring for the welfare of their animals.

Behavioural problems
GAIA's Michel Vandenbosch told the VRT that animals were found to suffering behavioural problems in 11 of the 15 zoos visited.

Vandenbosch added that government inspectors simply aren't strict enough when they visit zoos.

"We've noticed that although zoos have broken the rules, they are still allowed to acquire new animals."

"It's easy for them to say that they've got no money. They acquire extra animals, while they don't have the correct facilities to care for the ones they've already got."

Although the situation has improved at Bellewaerde, Planckendael and Antwerp Zoo, a number of enclosures were still found to be too small.
Antwerp Zoo has reacted by saying that it will take GAIA's comments on board.

The zoo's management says that it is actively looking for a solution of the problems posed by animals living in enclosures that are too small.

Meanwhile, Olmen Zoo refused to comment on the criticism level at it by GAIA in the report.

[flandersnews.be / Expatica]

We invite you to contribute to this article by sending related photos or videos. You can either send them to photos@expatica.com or add them to our newly-created flickr group at http://www.flickr.com/people/expatica/. All contributed material will be credited accordingly.


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

English in Belgium

ascent of language in belgium

Family in Belgium

Question about summer program/camp in Belgium

Healthcare in Belgium

How to find a good Physio and optometrist?

Jobs in Belgium

IFAs / FSIs / Country Managers / Confidential Introducers

Housing in Belgium

Flatmate Wanted as from mid February – SPACIOUS DUPLEX/PENTHOUSE

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Looking for work in Belgium

Looking for work in Belgium

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Belgium’s first alternative directory assistance services - available through the shortcode 14-14 - can now be accessed on the internet.

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Moving to Belgium presents a host of challenges to expats, not least of all finding the right home.

Learning to cope with life abroad

Learning to cope with life abroad

The psychological effects of global mobility can be physically painful.