2023-11-09 18:39:00
This Thursday followingnoon, no less than 134 animals were seized by the UBEA (Animal Welfare Unit) in a home in Éghezée. Among them, 111 dogs, thirteen cats and ten farm animals (four donkeys and chickens). With the exception of a Malinois shepherd and a cattle dog, these are mainly small dogs such as chihuahuas and Jack Russells. “From memory, this must be the biggest seizure in recent years,” indicates Sébastien De Jonge, president of the Sans Colliers refuge, one of the associations which took in the menagerie following the seizure.
“Residents were concerned regarding the odor emanating from the home and complained to the UBEA. The animals were kept by a lady who clearly cared regarding them but seemed to suffer from psychological problems. We seem to be in a typical example of Noah Syndrome: the person accumulates animals without the intention of harming them but we cannot accommodate so many animals and take care of them properly. In this case, we are talking regarding unintentional mistreatment,” he continues.
Several seized females are expecting babies and one of the dogs taken into care had to be taken urgently to a veterinarian. According to Sébastien De Jonge, he may not survive. But overall, the animals seem out of danger. The main concerns reported are cases of scabies or eye problems due to lack of care. They did not appear malnourished.
“As there are females expecting babies, we also assume that there are inbreeding problems,” adds Sébastien De Jonge.
Rescued animals will likely stay at least two months in shelters before being put up for adoption.
“I don’t think they can be returned to their owner. They will undoubtedly find a new home. What we hope is that there will be no repeat offense on the part of the owner,” confides the manager of Sans Colliers. The other shelters involved are the SPA de la Louvière, Animal Sans Toit, Animaux en Péril, Help Animals Officiel and SVPA and SRPA ASBL.
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