Belgium boosts animal welfare officials in 300 towns with GAIA support

Belgium has significantly increased its commitment to animal welfare by raising the number of local officials from 95 to 250 across 300 towns. This initiative reflects a growing awareness and responsibility towards animal rights, with local officials tasked with enforcing animal welfare laws, managing complaints, and collaborating with shelters. Their roles include addressing issues related to stray animals and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. In the Brussels-Capital Region, nearly all sub-municipalities now have dedicated animal welfare officials, demonstrating a proactive approach to animal protection. These officials engage with residents to promote best practices and ensure compliance with regional and national regulations. Their presence is crucial in fostering a culture of kindness and responsibility towards animals in both urban and rural settings. GAIA, an animal rights organization, emphasizes that merely appointing officials is insufficient for meaningful change. They advocate for active measures to address issues such as stray cats and the regulation of live animal sales. The organization has assessed various cities' performance in animal welfare, revealing that while some areas excel, others lag significantly behind. Cities like Leuven and Ixelles have received high scores for their animal welfare policies, indicating effective local governance. However, areas such as Hooglede and Tielt, with scores below 50%, highlight the need for improvement. This disparity underscores the ongoing challenges and the necessity for local governments to enhance their focus on animal welfare.