Kangaroo hunting targeted by the Brussels Parliament
The Call of the Australian Aboriginal People is Heard
Brussels, December 19, 2024 – A draft ordinance proposing a ban on the sale of kangaroo meat and leather is going to be submitted to the Brussels Parliament. This initiative follows a visit by a delegation of Aboriginal Australians and GAIA, who together called out and denounced Belgium’s role in the largest massacre of wild land animals in the world.
Towards a Ban on Products from the Kangaroo Hunt
The proposal, will be submitted by Groen - ECOLO (Brussels green party), seeks to ban the sale of products resulting from the kangaroo hunt. This political move is a response to the appeal made by a delegation of Aboriginal Australians and GAIA, who emphasize that Belgium is the largest European importer of kangaroo meat.
« Even though it may seem far removed from our daily lives, Brussels residents also find the horrific suffering endured by kangaroos commercial slaughter called hunt unacceptable. We therefore call on the Brussels Parliament to listen to the voice of its citizens, » says Lotte Stoops (Groen).
GAIA applauds this initiative and urges all parliamentarians to support the proposal. "This parliamentary initiative demonstrates a growing political awareness. Our country can no longer condone this cruelty against kangaroos, nor the cultural and ecological impact it causes," said Ann De Greef, GAIA CEO.
Belgium, a major player in the trade of products from the kangaroo hunt
Every year, over 80,000 kangaroos lose their lives for the Belgian market. Belgium is the largest European importer and the second-largest globally. While only a few restaurants and shops still offer kangaroo meat, the majority of imported products are re-exported to other countries.
The nighttime hunting of kangaroos causes immense animal suffering. Nearly 40% of the animals do not die instantly. According to the law, hunters are required to kill dying kangaroos by crushing their skulls and destroying their brains.
A Strong Statement from Decathlon for Kangaroos
The international sports retailer Decathlon has announced its decision to stop selling products made from kangaroo leather, such as football boots, by 2027. This decision aligns with a global trend: brands like Nike and Puma have already stopped using kangaroo leather, partly due to GAIA’s campaigns.
A Debate Spreading Across Belgium
In Flanders, Vooruit (the socialist party) has announced plans to introduce a similar proposal in the Flemish Parliament soon. GAIA is also calling on Wallonia to take action, ensuring that this cruel trade is banned in all three regions of the country.
