Brussels Airport opens new animal facility

Brussels Airport has opened a new Animal Care & Inspection Center capable of adjusting light and temperature levels depending on the needs of animals.

The dnata-operated facility opened on June 1 and each animal accommodation has a central system which adjusts the light colour, the temperature and the ventilation for each area in line with the specific needs of each type of animal.

The import and export sides in the building are completely separated from each other for ventilation and so no contamination is possible

The animal accommodations can be used by both small and large animal species.

On the import side, there are four inspection rooms — one for horses, two multi-functional area and one cool room for insects — seven centrally controlled animal accommodations and 10 horse stables.

For export, there is no mandatory control. On that side, there are four multi-functional treatment rooms and three centrally controlled accommodations. Outside there is also a green area.

“The additional health measures required by the current corona crisis are, of course, also fully observed,” the airport said. “The necessary precautionary measures will be applied so that the animals passing through our airport at the moment are housed in all safety.”

The airport said that it handles thousands of animals each year, including pets, police dogs, reptiles and horses, but also a rare visit by a panda.

Arnaud Feist, chief executive of Brussels Airport, said: “We consider the comfort of all our passengers important, including that of the animals that travel via the airport.

“That is why we have, in consultation with the competent authorities, with experts and with our customers, developed this ultramodern Animal Care & Inspection Center.

“An animal centre that sets a new standard on a European level in the area of welfare and provides the best possible workplace for the personnel. With this we ensure that the animals among our passengers are also housed in the very best conditions.”

The Animal Care & Inspection Center includes the new border inspection centre for the Federal Agency for Food Safety, which must check any live animal being imported in order to guarantee public health.