The ban on silencers and night vision devices may soon be removed from the Weapons Act as part of proposals put forward to tackle boar overpopulation. But some fear the changes could be abused by criminals.
The Parliamentary Justice Committee on Wednesday approved the proposal at first reading. The text was submitted by MP Steven Matheï (CD&V) in September 2024 and is backed by Theo Francken (N-VA). It was approved by the majority parties as well as Vlaams Belang and Open VLD.
The measure, included in the Arizona coalition agreement, is primarily intended to control the wild boar population. Boars started to re-appear in Flanders in 2005, mainly in Limburg. Supporters of the bill say the wild animals cause damage to land, crops, property and other animals, and pose a danger to traffic.
"To prevent the further spread of wild boar and to put a stop to the damage they cause, it is necessary to enable hunters and their authorised special field officers to acquire silencers and night vision devices," the proposal read.
Safety concerns
The legislative proposal states the bill only applies to this specific category of users. However, critics are concerned about the wider implications.
French-speaking PS and the green parties Ecolo-Groen opposed the proposal, arguing that lifting the ban poses a risk to general safety. "Night vision and silencers could end up in the wrong hands," warned PS party leader Pierre-Yves Dermagne.
Stefaan Van Hecke (Groen) agreed. "Crime gangs and terrorists have been waiting for years for these weapons to be released," he said. There is reportedly a high demand for this equipment in criminal and terrorist circles. "It is incomprehensible that we would legally market them."
The Federal Police and the Federal Weapons Service have historically favoured maintaining the ban, arguing that the risk to public safety outweighs the need to cull boars. The Flemish Peace Institute, which has a great deal of expertise in the field of weapons legislation, is also not in favour for the same reasons.
"There are more efficient ways to catch wild boar, for example with cages," Nils Duquet of the Flemish Peace Institute told VRT NWS. This was mirrored by the Animal Rights organisation: "These hunts have probably not reduced the number of wild boars. All it does is increase animal suffering and disrupt nature. We should focus on preventive measures such as wildlife corridors and fences."
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It is currently illegal to buy or possess night vision goggles or silencers in Belgium. If the ban is lifted however, the regions – which are authorised to make regulations regarding hunting – can permit this equipment according to their modalities (for instance requiring people to train and carry additional registration).
At the request of PS and Ecolo-Groen, there will be a second reading, after which the bill can be submitted to the plenary session.
