The Belgian proposal to ban the trade in cat, dog and seal furs has been sent to the Belgian Parliament

IFAW and GAIA congratulate Minister Verwilghen for his initiative.

 

(Brussels, 14th April 2006) – The Belgian Minister for the Economy, Marc Verwilghen, has declared in a press release that this week he sent his legislative proposal to the Parliament.  This law aims at prohibiting the import and the trade in all seal products, of all species and ages, as well as commercial production of dog and cat fur (including derivatives).  “Every year, hundreds of thousands of seals are cruelly and inhumanely slaughtered”, stressed the Minister, who “intends to combat certain practices used in the seal hunt and slaughter of dogs and cats that do not respect animal welfare”. 

 

IFAW and GAIA are delighted: “By these declarations, not only has the Minsiter kept his promise, but, above-all, he has sent a serious message to Canada and China against the barbaric Canadian seal hunt and the cruel slaughter of dogs and cats for their fur in China”, stated Lesley O’Donnell, Director of IFAW’s European Office and Michel Vandenbosch, President of GAIA. The two legislative proposals now have to be adopted by the Parliament.

 

GAIA and IFAW have fought for this ban since 2004.  On the 21st of March 2006, before the opening of the Canadian seal hunt, they unveiled an ice-sculpture in front of the Canadian embassy in protest against this cruel hunt.  IFAW and GAIA unreservedly support Minister Verwilghen’s actions.  As to the ban on the production and trade in dog and cat furs, Belgium is following the policy of France, Italy, Denmark and Greece.  With Minister Verwilghen’s proposal for legislation to ban the import and trade in seal furs and by-products, Belgium is setting an example for other European Union Member States.