Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts (N-VA) withdraws the recognition of a professional dog breeder in Dessel, Antwerp. Because there are repeated and serious violations of animal welfare, the withdrawal is also final.
Source: Belga
Inspections at the dog breeder showed that there were several serious shortcomings. Between 2022 and 2026, five reports were drawn up and several warnings were issued, but according to the minister, the breeder appeared to be “unable to comply with the minimum standards for animal welfare”.
For example, the dogs were kept without daylight or sufficient ventilation. There was inadequate care and poor hygiene. Medical care and basic care were also inadequate: some animals had ingrown nails and dental problems that were not adequately treated. There were also problems with drinking water, cages that were too small, dirty sleeping areas and the lack of a suitable outdoor area, in combination with a shortage of staff to care for the animals.
The dog breeder in Dessel now permanently loses his recognition: he will never be able to apply for new recognition. The owner has until July to give all the dogs a new home.
According to Minister Weyts, the grower has been given several opportunities to improve the situation, but this has not been done sufficiently. A closure is therefore “the only solution”. “Anyone who cannot or does not want to meet our conditions is no longer allowed to breed animals,” says the minister. “This operator has missed yet another opportunity and will therefore not get any more. This is where I draw the red line.”
