A total of 151 shelters will receive one-off support. This varies from 1,000 to 25,000 euros, depending on the size of the shelter. “Like many families and companies, shelters have also struggled with the sharp rise in energy prices,” says Weyts. “Animal shelters help countless animals get through a difficult period, so we want to help them get through a difficult period as well.”
“The shelters in Flanders are overcrowded. It is good that the government is investing, but the change in mentality must mainly come from the Flemings,” responds Sanne Eeckelers (N-VA), municipal councilor in Londerzeel, to the 2,728 euros that the Bird Sanctuary in Malderen will receive.
The Flemish animal shelters have been receiving structural financial support from the Flemish government since 2020. Last year, the Flemish government earmarked 1.7 million euros for this. The one-off energy support comes on top of that.