“It’s the Eid weekend and Afsca and animal welfare inspectors are on the ground for prevention. An Afsca inspector visited this farm and upon arriving there, the buyers all left. The inspector called the police and animal welfare and we went to the place.says Sylvie Cardella, president of Natur’Horses, a shelter based in Solre-sur-Sambre. The sheep were slaughtered there without being stunned. When we arrived, we were able to observe the extent of the damage and we called as many shelters as possible, even the Dutch-speaking shelters. Until 1:30 a.m., we evacuated all the sheep as well as other animals which were living in indescribable filth. Two calves went to a clinic in Ghent. There were also dogs and cats held in unspeakable conditions. The owner did not stay there.”
In addition to Natur’Horses, Silence animal, 4 Balzanes, Opale, Help animal, Rêve d’Aby, Animals in danger, Dutch-speaking shelters and transport assistance from the ADT (Animal Disaster Team) intervened.
In total, more than 500 sheep and other animals were seized and dispatched as much as possible. “All the shelters are full and if people have spaces capable of welcoming sheep, they should not hesitate to come forward, assures Sylvie Cardella. We are not only looking for foster families but also adopters. There are certainly between 50 and 100 sheep waiting per shelter at the moment.”
