Auderghem becomes Brussels' third 'animal-friendly' municipality

The commune of Auderghem has won an "animal-friendly" award, labelling it as the Brussels municipality that has done the most to promote animal welfare across the region.

Auderghem follows the municipalities of Ixelles and Schaerbeek, which won the label in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

The award is designed to encourage Brussels municipalities to develop animal welfare initiatives, which can benefit from financial support ranging from €7,000 to €9,000 per initiative.

"I am delighted to see a growing interest in this label, it confirms that animal welfare has become a societal issue of primary importance for our fellow citizens", said Brussels minister for animal welfare Bernard Clerfayt.

Municipalities hoping to win the label must propose a series of projects meeting at least eight of the 13 criteria established by the region, including the creation of free zones for dogs, management of lost animals or granting premiums for sterilisation.