589 Animals Seized in Wetteren: Rescue Organizations Urgently Seek Shelter
Belgian authorities seized 589 neglected animals from a meadow in Wetteren, East Flanders, on Monday, prompting three animal rescue organizations to launch an urgent operation to shelter and care for the animals. Police and the Animal Welfare Inspection Service conducted the seizure following multiple reports of neglect, according to VRT NWS.
An Exceptional Operation
The animals—including chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and various birds—were found underweight and housed on too small a surface area. Police spokesperson Febe Dauwe confirmed the scale of the operation was unusual. “We regularly seize animals,” Dauwe said. “But a seizure of nearly 600 animals is quite exceptional.”
The owner had previously been given conditions to improve animal welfare but had not complied, authorities said. The seizure followed complaints and tips received through multiple channels, with animal rights organization BSPCA confirming the reports, as HLN reported.
From 200 to 589: A Logistical Challenge
Three organizations—De Ark van Pollare from Lennik, Zorgboerderij Huppeldepup from Grimbergen, and Animal Rescue Service from Sint-Truiden—responded to the scene. Initially expecting about 200 animals, the full count revealed 589, far exceeding preliminary estimates.
“Upon arrival it turned out to be many more animals,” said Mathieu Helleputte, chairman of Animal Rescue Service. The animals were sorted on-site and placed in transport containers before being distributed using a truck, trailer, and van to shelters across Vlaams-Brabant and Limburg.
Zorgboerderij Huppeldepup took in the largest share with 505 animals, while De Ark van Pollare received 58. Animal Rescue Service transported 27 animals to Sint-Truiden—26 guinea pigs and one severely injured rabbit. “The rabbit is in fairly serious condition,” Helleputte said. “The vet has already been here, but it should normally recover.”
Shelters Under Pressure
The sudden influx has stretched resources at the receiving shelters. Zorgboerderij Huppeldepup described the situation on social media, noting the extra animals require additional veterinary visits, vaccinations, medication, and care. “The seriously injured animals are in the infirmary,” the organization stated. “It is a challenge to find food in time for all those different birds.” RingTV reported on the organizations’ appeals for help.
De Ark van Pollare called the operation “our largest intervention of the year,” with teams working past midnight to relocate and care for the animals. The organization is urgently requesting food donations for ducks and geese, along with financial support for veterinary costs.
Both shelters have organized Open Doors Days this weekend—Saturday at Zorgboerderij Huppeldepup and Sunday at De Ark van Pollare in Lennik—where visitors can donate feed and learn about the organizations’ work.
Broader Context: Rising Animal Seizures in Flanders
The Wetteren case reflects a broader trend in Flanders, where animal welfare enforcement has intensified in recent years. According to VRT NWS, more than 6,500 animals were seized in Flanders during 822 operations in 2025—an average of about 18 animals per day. The number of seizures has risen from 534 in 2020 to 822 in 2025, while reports of animal neglect have increased by more than 30 percent over six years.
Flemish Animal Welfare Minister Ben Weyts attributes the increase to greater public awareness. “What used to be overlooked no longer passes,” he said. The new Flemish Animal Welfare Codex took effect on 1 January 2025, replacing the nearly 40-year-old Animal Welfare Act, and each police zone now has an officer dedicated to animal welfare.
What Happens Next
The seized animals remain under official seizure while Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Flemish Animal Welfare Service) has up to 60 days to decide their fate. The animals may be returned to the owner or assigned to a shelter where they could later be offered for adoption.
For now, the rescue organizations are focused on the immediate needs of the animals in their care. As De Ark van Pollare put it: “All help is welcome. Together we can ensure that these 589 animals not only have a safe place, but also receive the care they deserve.”