GAIA turns the Streets of Brussels into "crime scenes" to denounce slaughter without stunning
Brussels, October 17 — GAIA makes a strong statement with a spectacular visual action, turning the streets of the capital into actual "crime scenes" to denounce slaughter without stunning. While Wallonia and Flanders banned this practice five years ago, it remains legal in Brussels, where nearly 30,000 animals are slaughtered without stunning each year, enduring agony that can last up to 12 minutes.
A Shocking scene to leave a lasting impression
To grab the public’s attention, GAIA recreated scenes reminiscent of crime TV shows: outlines of sheep were traced on the ground, similar to those found at crime investigation sites. Surrounding the scene, “experts” dressed in white suits inspect the area, just like a real crime scene. This action aims to make visible the violence of these slaughters, hidden from public view, and to highlight the urgency of banning this practice, also in the Brussels region.
GAIA calls on negotiators to take responsibility
As discussions for forming a new regional government in Brussels continue, GAIA is urging policymakers to make banning slaughter without stunning a political priority. The organization reminds us that many political parties (MR, Les Engagés, DéFI, Ecolo-Groen, N-VA, Open Vld, and Vooruit) committed to this ban before the elections.
"The parties that won the elections must take responsibility and pass the ban on slaughter without stunning. It’s time to end political maneuvering on the subject and close the chapter on one of the cruellest practices of our time,” said Sébastien de Jonge, Director of Operations at GAIA.
Public opinion, science, and justice support the ban
The figures speak for themselves: an IPSOS poll conducted for GAIA in September 2024 reveals that 76% of Brussels residents support or are not opposed to banning slaughter without stunning. Legally, the Belgian Constitutional Court, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the European Court of Human Rights have all upheld the bans in Wallonia and Flanders. Moreover, both Belgian and European veterinary associations agree that slaughter without stunning causes unacceptable suffering for animals.
"Crime Scenes" in strategic locations
Four "crime scenes" have been set up in strategic locations in Brussels: in front of the Brussels Parliament, in front of the Socialist Party headquarters, at the Bourse, and at the Central Station. This action is supported by hundreds of posters displayed across the city demanding an end to slaughter without stunning.
