a license to supervise animal adoptions

Suzanne Lisic, retired in Faimes (Belgium), finally comes to pick up Louna, a four-year-old bichon cross collected from a shelter. But before leaving with her new dog, she must certify that her pet license is in order. Since October 1, you have to present this document, a sort of criminal record of animal abuse, in order to be able to adopt. “We will already know if the person has had problems concerning animal welfare, if he has had his license withdrawn”rejoices the person in charge of the refuge.

Wallonia is a pioneering region in Europe. It has had an animal welfare code that has been enshrined in law for four years. In Liège (Belgium), the police have created a special brigade which acts on denunciation from the neighborhood or the SPA. The police are sometimes faced with extreme situations, such as a dog tied up in the stairwell or an acid-burnt Chihuahua. In addition to the suspension of the license, the justice can condemn to fines, and even to prison terms.