An Introduction to Belgian Animal Welfare Law

This contribution is a gentle introduction to Belgian Animal Welfare Law. It gives an insight into the emergence, scope, and core principles of the Belgian 1986 Animal Welfare Act. Belgian animal welfare legislation cannot be viewed separately from, on the one hand, European animal welfare legislation, and, on the other hand, the division in competences of Belgium as a federal state. Especially the latter has been an incremental catalyst to improve animal welfare at the substate level. With some concrete examples and building on case law and preparatory legislative documents, the reader gets well acquainted with the basics of Belgian Animal Welfare Law. In addition, it includes hot topics such as the purpose of zoos, the ritual slaughter case, and invasive alien species management. Furthermore, the introduction provides new information on historical news of the incorporation of a Belgian animal welfare state objective. Finally, a future outlook is discussed that puts forward some critical questions and takeaways regarding the further development of Belgian Animal Welfare Law.