The Opal Refuge in Lessines makes the same observation. “”In many people abandonment is assumed in a unpleasant way: ‘I would like to get rid of my dog or my cat’. Others want to separate from the animal by denying that it is an abandonment. And there are some who assume nothing and abandons it in the street or the woods. “
Holding of domestic animals, the new legislation that worries in Wallonia: “16m² minimum for a dog is more than a child in a crèche!”
Nearly 30,000 animals are welcomed in refuge per year and thousands are seized. 10 to 20 % of animals in shelters come from input for mistreatment. 40 % are abandoned by the master and 40 % are wandering animals found on the public highway. Malinois and amstaffs are the most represented and least easy to adopt breeds. The refuges are calling for a moratorium on these doggies with very specific needs. “”It would take training to adopt these dogs “advance Gaëtan Sgualdino who denounces the proliferation of illegal farms.
Threat of strike on July 15
For an animal adopted in refuge, five others are purchased in pet stores, on social networks or in a breeding. 80 associations of animal welfare and shelters will bring together Namur on July 9 to denounce the inaction of the political. If the government does not go beyond statements full of good intentions, they will cease their conventions with the municipalities. “The government does not take the measure of the situation, it is disappointing. The notice may well come into force on July 15. It is the first time that there has been such a union for 10 years because it has been an emergency. The shelters are tired of playing the pins and have the impression that we are sitting on their uses”insists Gaëtan Sgualdino who is also president of the UWPA (Union Wallonne for animal protection). “”If nothing changes, we will find ourselves in a situation similar to the Maghreb where with wandering animals in the public square because of the laxity of the authorities. “
Controversy in Walloon shelters where several abused animals will have to be returned to their former owner: “a dangerous previous”
Florence Brackx fears euthanasia of convenience without disgorging refuges quickly because “the state will never let dogs and cats wander. “”On social networks, animals are far too glamorial and encourage impulsive purchase. There is a strict control on this exhibition “points the director of the non -profit organization without collar.
All encourage adoption in refuge rather than purchase. “It is a citizen and public gesture because it frees up space and management capacity.”
