Animal Welfare, a priority for Europe
Animal welfare policy-makers and stakeholders met in Brussels on 29 January for the "Call to Care for Animal Welfare" event. On the agenda: the progress of European legislation in this area.
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Putting animal welfare higher on the EU agenda
This symposium, which forms part of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU, involved experts in the fields of animal welfare, in addition to the ministers, each in charge of the issue in one of Belgium’s three federal regions, and the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides.
Did you know?
Animal welfare is a regional competence in Belgium.
EU animal welfare policy: state of play and Belgian priorities
The European Commission has been promoting animal welfare for over 40 years. Last December, the European Commission proposed an overhaul of EU rules for the welfare of animals in transport and new rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.
Did you know?
Around 44% of all households in the EU have a household pet, and over 90% of those are dogs or cats.
In the year when the World Organisation for Animal Health is celebrating its centenary, the Belgian presidency will prioritise animal health and disease prevention under the umbrella of the ‘One Health’ initiative. Within that framework, biosecurity and vaccination stand out as two crucial elements in the effort to prevent animal epidemics and the ensuing mass culling of animals as a means of containment.
The Belgian presidency also pledges to advocate for the introduction of a legislative framework for animal welfare that is more effectively aligned with increasing expectations from within society, with ethical considerations and with the latest scientific and technological advancements, while also addressing future sustainability challenges.
Check out this page to learn more about Belgium’s priorities in the area of animal health and welfare.
Animal welfare protection in Brussels
Since 1 January 2015, Brussels Environment has been the competent authority for animal welfare in the Brussels-Capital Region. A Brussels Animal Welfare Council was set up to provide advice and expertise to Brussels authorities, to enable them to make appropriate decisions on issues related to animal welfare.
The Animal Welfare department of Brussels Environment launched the third phase of Animal Welfare Initiatives Brussels (AWI-BRU) in May 2023. The project will run until 30 April 2024 and aims to coordinate animal welfare initiatives in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Contact
Do you have questions about animal welfare in Brussels? If so, please send an email to bienetreanimal@environnement.brussels.