A dog breeder in Glabbeek in the province of Flemish Brabant has been stripped of his accreditation after a series of serious animal welfare breaches were recorded during several inspections.
Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts (N-VA) has revoked the accreditation of a professional breeder with about 250 dogs in Glabbeek after both the Flemish Inspectorate and the police found a series of serious breaches of animal welfare during several inspections.
The animals were severely neglected: several puppies were found to be hypothermic and malnourished, the ventilation was insufficient and were not let outside enough, the animals had poor teeth, were anxious and had scabs or fleas.
At the last inspection, a vet had to put down a few puppies because they were in a terrible health condition. The man whose licence was revoked will be barred from carrying out any activity as a dog breeder for at least two years
"We have already withdrawn dozens of breeders' approvals for similar offences," said Weyts. "Those who cannot meet all the conditions cannot breed animals. If you do not take better care of the animals even after several warnings, this is the logical consequence."
Stepping up efforts
Since animal welfare is a Flemish competence, the region is increasingly cracking down on breeders who recklessly neglect their animals, mistreat them or do not comply with the conditions for breeding or trading them.
Earlier this year, for example, one breeder in Dilbeek had their permit revoked for illegal breeding of 'Scottish Folds', also known as Taylor Swift cats. The animal has been banned in Belgium for around three years, as the animals have a genetic deformity associated with many health problems and constant pain.
