More and more people are reporting animal abuse and neglect in Flanders, the result of a strong policy and ease of reporting, says animal welfare minister
Flanders handed out a record number of fines for animal abuse or neglect in 2025. More than 6,500 animals – from puppies to pigs – were rescued, with 522 fines handed out. An additional 1,000 warnings were issued.
While it is not a record number of animals, it does show a year-on-year increase in the number of seizures taking place. There were a total of 822 rescues last year, up from 534 in 2020.
“People have become more aware” of animal abuse, according to Flanders’ animal welfare minister Ben Weyts (N-VA). “What used to go overlooked doesn’t anymore. But some people still don’t seem to understand that we take animal welfare very seriously in Flanders.”
Reports up by more than 30%
Figures confirm that awareness is up: Over the last six year, the number of reports of animal abuse or neglect increased by more than 30%. “Our own inspection team has grown considerably,” notes Weyts. “We have also introduced a system where there is someone in every police zone who deals with animal welfare.”
The majority of seizures – about 40% - involve poultry, followed by dogs, cats and birds. But inspectors will seize any kind of animal in need, including rabbits, guinea pits, reptiles, horses and even fish. Nearly all of the animals are placed in shelters and put up for adoption. But some 9% go directly to farms and families.
“Every local authority now also has an city councillor in charge of animal welfare,” says Weyts. “And in the courts, there are now sometimes separate hearing days for the handling of cases related to animal welfare. Ten years ago, that was unthinkable. It is increasingly becoming a ‘big deal’. And I think that is only normal in a civilized society.”
Animal abuse or neglect can be reported via a government portal . In extreme or emergency cases, residents are asked to contact the police