http://www.flandersnews.be/cm/flandersnews.be/News/070131_woof%2521

Shops banned from selling dogs and cats

Wed 31/01/07 - In future, Belgian pet shops will no longer be allowed
to sell dogs and cats. The ban was approved at a meeting of the
Federal Parliament's Public Health Select Committee on Tuesday. The
animal rights pressure group GAIA has said that it is pleased with the
ban.
However, pet store owners have reacted angrily to the news of the new
measures.

The idea behind the ban is to make people consider the responsibility
they are taking on before they buy a dog or cat.

They will also be no longer allowed to buy pets on hire purchase.

While the animal rights pressure group GAIA is happy with the ban, the
owners of pet shops are angry.
(Belga)
The proprietor of one Antwerp pet store told the daily 'Het
Nieuwsblad' that "the ban is a bad thing for the pet shop owners, the
breeders and the animals themselves".

"Such measures will simply serve to drive the trade in dogs and cats
underground".

There are already long standing rules banning the sale of dogs and
cats at markets.

have to go to a breeder or an animal sanctuary.