The civil disobedience collective Extinction Rebellion (XR) Animal is calling for an upcoming horse race on the streets of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode to be blocked
The mayor of the Brussels municipality announced on social media last week that the race would be held on 16 September in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Time For Others.
However Extinction Rebellion said the event represented an attack on animal welfare.
“This initiative blatantly contradicts the current guideline of the City of Brussels’ policy on the protection of animal welfare,” said the civil disobedience collective.
It bases its criticism on Article 6ter of the law of 14 August 1986 on animal welfare, which stipulates “that it is forbidden to operate or organise in the Brussels-Capital Region attractions using equidae for the entertainment of the public.”
The decision by the mayor of Saint-Josse to host the event has also sparked a host of political reactions.
“Seriously?! Since 1986, it has been expressly forbidden to organise a horse race on the public highway on a hard surface,” Brussels Minister for Animal Welfare Bernard Clerfayt commented on X (ex-Twitter).
The alderman for animal welfare in the Saint-Josse municipality also expressed indignation at the organisation of such an event, while Brussels MP Victoria Austraet, formerly a member of the DierAnimal party, called on social networks for Minister Clerfayt to adopt a decree banning the race.
In the face of the criticism, Time For Others is seeking to reassure. “Everything is being put in place for the safety of the horses. The asphalt will be covered with sand, and vets and a farrier will be present along the route,” said Julie Lenoble, spokesperson for the non-profit organisation.
So far, no decision has been taken to cancel the race. “Discussions are ongoing with Brussels Region, from which we are awaiting answers,” said Julie Lenoble.
