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While it has been prohibited since last year to transport live animals from Flanders to warm countries outside the European Union during July and August, that ban is now being extended by an additional month. As of June 1, live animals may no longer be transported from Flanders to distant destinations outside the European Union. The ban remains in effect until September 1. According to Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare, Ben Weyts, this extension is necessary because temperatures often already rise high in June, meaning animal welfare cannot be sufficiently guaranteed during long journeys.
Not all international animal transport falls under the stricter regulations. Transport remains possible for a limited number of countries where summer temperatures are generally less extreme. These are Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. In addition, exceptions may be granted for transports equipped with modern climate and cooling systems that keep the temperature for the animals sufficiently under control.
The earlier measure appears to have already had an effect. Following the introduction of the ban in July and August of last year, the number of permits for long-distance animal transport decreased by 76.5% in 2025.
June 2, 2026/ Vilt/ Belgium.
https://vilt.be/nl
