Animal shelter complaints trigger investigation

Complaints by whistleblowers about an animal shelter in Forest have triggered an investigation by Brussels minister for animal welfare, Elke Van den Brandt (Groen).

“Every animal deserves a dignified life and high-quality, loving care,” Van den Brandt said.

“Animals that end up in shelters often have a history. That is precisely why it’s important to be able to give them the right attention.”

The complaints relate to Het Blauwe Kruis shelter and stem largely from former volunteers who voiced their concerns about the conditions at the animal shelter last week.

“The problems relate to the lack of walks and stimulation for the dogs, the living conditions, the difficulties in caring for dogs with behavioural problems, hygiene issues and the physical decline of several animals,” a former volunteer told Bruzz.

Together with other former volunteers, the whistleblower reported these issues on several occasions, including to Brussels Environment, but said her concerns were reportedly ignored. 

“In the meantime, we’ve gathered nearly five years’ worth of photographic evidence and internal communications that highlight the problems,” said the former volunteer.

The situation at the shelter is reportedly already improving, “but we continue to question what has happened over the past few years”, Van den Brandt said.

The animal shelter responded to the allegations by saying the complaints were wholly unfounded. It claims there is no staff shortage and that the dogs are taken out for walks often enough. The shelter also stated that it has already been inspected several times this year.

“If we were guilty of all these allegations, we would have been closed down by now,” the centre said in a statement.

Van den Brandt said that she was aware of the current complaints, as well as previous complaints about the shelter that prompted inspections.

"Shortcomings were identified during these inspections," she said. "Since then, the animal welfare inspection services have been monitoring the case."

The minister said that improvements had already been noted following the previously identified shortcomings and that “the shelter is getting back on track. All the facts must be thoroughly investigated, and that is indeed happening.”

Van den Brandt also pointed out that animal shelters in Brussels are inspected regularly. 

“At present, the Brussels region has seven accredited shelters. These were inspected at least once in 2025, and some even several times,” said Van den Brandt.

According to the minister, in 2024 there were 11 inspections at six shelters, and in 2023 there were nine inspections at four shelters. 

“Each inspection consists of an administrative component and an on-site visit,” Van den Brandt added.

“Among other things, the registers are checked, including the dates of the animals’ arrival and departure and their destination. These are compared with the DogID and CatID databases.”