Recent revelations by GAIA have raised serious concerns about animal welfare at the d’Ath Abattoir in Belgium. This facility, operational since 1958, has been a central hub for local meat processing.
About d’Ath Abattoir
The d’Ath Abattoir, which handles approximately 20,000 sheep annually, accounts for nearly two-thirds of sheep slaughtering in the region. The abattoir was officially transitioned to the WapiMeat cooperative on January 1, 2026. This cooperative was established in June 2025 by a group of fifteen farmers, butchers, and stakeholders from the meat sector in Wallonie picarde.
Financial Support for WapiMeat
- The WapiMeat cooperative receives financial support from multiple municipalities.
- Communities such as Ath, Beloeil, Chièvres, Leuze-en-Hainaut, Mouscron, and Péruwelz have invested in the abattoir to ensure local meat processing remains accessible to farmers.
The Role of Aurélien Holvoet
Aurélien Holvoet, an agricultural entrepreneur from Ath, is a key figure in the cooperative. He has gained national attention after a recent protest action in Brussels, where he dumped several tons of potatoes in a sign of agricultural distress. This act garnered significant public support, leading to a solidarity fund that raised over €35,000 in just a few days.
Implications of GAIA’s Findings
GAIA’s findings regarding animal treatment at the d’Ath Abattoir call for immediate attention and potential closure of the facility. The organization advocates for animal rights and aims to ensure that slaughter practices align with humane standards.
As the situation unfolds, further scrutiny of animal welfare practices at the d’Ath Abattoir is expected. These developments highlight the critical balance between local agriculture support and the ethical treatment of animals.
