Animal Markets in Belgium
In collaboration with:
On the 20-year anniversary of a groundbreaking investigation into animal markets in Belgium for the animal protection organisation, GAIA, Tracks went back to see if the situation for animals at markets had improved.
During the summer of 2000, Tracks carried out a hidden camera investigation revealing serious acts of animal abuse that were taking place on the cattle markets of Anderlecht and Ciney. The images, unearthed on November 16, 2000, provoked a storm of indignation in Belgium and abroad.
Exactly 20 years later, Tracks worked with GAIA who published a new video, showing the current situation in the last three cattle markets of the country in Ciney, Battice and Rekkem.
Thankfully, we did not witness the horror that was present at markets in 2000. However, our investigators were still able to document a catalogue of animal welfare problems and infringements of European regulations. The investigative campaign gained major press coverage in Belgium and hopefully will see an end to the animal markets in Belgium.
“We have clearly seen an improvement,” explains Michel Vandenbosch. “But there are still a lot of dysfunctions in terms of animal welfare. We found the same issues in all three markets. We have thus seen several animals with damaged and bloody horns, a young calf limping in one leg, an animal suffering from severe bursitis, animals with untreated hooves, which do not have access to water, tied by a too-short rope, which prevents them from resting, emaciated dairy cows, etc. Often the animals are also beaten in a completely unnecessary way. Furthermore, we did not observe the presence of veterinary inspectors in charge of carrying out checks, nor of care given to injured animals. “
To learn more about the investigation click here.
GAIA is asking for the abolition of the last three cattle markets, or at least their gradual closure.
Tracks Investigations has undertaken over 295 investigative film projects supporting over 40 conservation, environmental and animal protection NGOs since its inception in 2006. Learn more about how you can work with us here. To support our investigative work for animals, click here.