Children who abuse a sheep until it drops. And at least one adult who still seems to encourage them and films everything. The images that appeared on social media have now been removed. But Gaia files a complaint and hopes that a fine or even a prison sentence will be imposed.
Less than a week after parliament decided to include animal welfare in the constitution to better protect animals, shocking images have been shared on social media showing some children abusing a sheep. Till death.
The images, which have since been removed, were recorded in the garden of a villa in Merelbeke, near Ghent. The animal is tied with one of its legs with a rope to a goal post in a garden. Then children start aiming at it with a football. The sheep is clearly panicking. Afterwards, the children start shooting pellets at the animal with what look like toy guns. Until it finally falls down and dies. Probably from stress.
Striking: at least one adult, it can clearly be seen and heard, looks on with amusement and encourages the children. He also films everything with his smartphone and at one point even gives a thumbs up when the children abuse the animal.
Gaia is furious. “We are filing a civil complaint with the investigating judge in Ghent and hope that this will be thoroughly investigated. Because if this is not prosecuted, I don’t know what will be,” says Michel Vandenbosch.
Gaia founder Michel Vandenbosch filed a complaint with the investigating judge. — © Kris Van Exel
Unacceptable
He calls the behavior of both children and adults unacceptable. “I especially don’t understand that adult. Is that raising children? What norms and values do you pass on to them in this way? If they grow up with the idea that abuse is allowed, what happens next?” says the Gaia founder.
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According to Gaia, the adult in the video – it is not entirely clear whether it concerns one or two people – risks a maximum of five years in prison and a 100,000 euro fine. “They will never get that, but we at least hope for a strong signal from the court. It must be realized that this is unacceptable. Besides, what was that sheep doing in the garden? Was it bought for the Feast of Sacrifice next month? Did they want to ritually slaughter it at home?”
Gaia is now preparing a complaint, which will soon be sent to the Ghent investigating judge. The police of the Rhode and Schelde zone have already made findings and have forwarded the report to the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office.
Tags: Police draw report children abuse sheep dies prosecuted dont anymore Merelbeke
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