According to the Law on the Protection and Welfare of Animals, it is forbidden to perform acts on animals that cause them unnecessary death, injury or suffering. These actions are only allowed in cases of force majeure or when permitted by law (for example: slaughter for consumption). In addition, only animals that appear on the list of permitted pets and/or consumption animals may be kept. It is therefore forbidden to keep exotic animals, such as tigers, lions and panthers, except in zoos or for animals (and their direct descendants) that were already in possession before the list was drawn up. An exception can be made for private individuals, subject to written permission from the government. There is also a ban on circuses or travelling exhibitions keeping animals, except with explicit permission from the government and for well-defined animals. Specifically in the Brussels region, it is prohibited to handle horses and ponies. In the Flemish Region, it is forbidden to keep fur-bearing animals for commercial purposes or to use force-feeding methods (e.g. for foie gras). In addition, the sale and exhibition of animals for sale is strictly regulated. The same applies to the breeding and transport of animals as well as to animal testing. The killing of animals must also be carried out in accordance with prescribed rules, requiring prior anaesthesia and in the least painful and quickest way possible. Exceptions are fishing and hunting. For more information about this crime, a concrete punishment and/or tailor-made advice, contact our criminal lawyers at [email protected].