Countess Faces New Animal Welfare Charges in Belgium
Chastre, Belgium – Countess Diana du Monceau is once again facing legal action following a large-scale animal seizure at her property on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Authorities, aided by numerous animal rights organizations, removed approximately 150 to 200 animals – including dogs, donkeys, horses, and other livestock – from the Countess’s estate in Villeroux, a section of Chastre.
The Walloon Brabant public prosecutor’s office initiated the case following a complaint, according to reports. The operation involved vans and trailers lining the surrounding streets as organizations like the Charleroi SPA, Sans Collier shelter, Abi’s dream, and Animals in danger worked to evacuate the animals.
This is not the first time Countess du Monceau has been embroiled in controversy regarding animal welfare. According to Sébastien De Jonge, from the Sans Collier shelter, this marks the fourth seizure of animals from the Countess in 12 years, bringing the total number of animals seized to around 450. “In 12 years, this is the 4th seizure from this person, there must be around 450 animals seized there, we wonder when it will stop…” De Jonge stated.
The conditions on the property were described as dire. Initial reports indicate that dogs, roaming in packs, had attacked weaker animals like donkeys and horses. “Attacks, bites, untimely aggressive barking of dogs surrounding their victims, but also injured dogs, left for dead…” were observed, according to information reaching local authorities. The mayor of Chastre, Thierry Champagne, stated that animal control had been lacking and that the owner appeared overwhelmed, prompting him to contact the King’s Prosecutor of Nivelles.
The King’s Prosecutor of Walloon Brabant, Marc Rézette, followed the case closely and entrusted it to an investigating judge. The Countess was questioned on Wednesday and subsequently charged with various offenses under the Walloon Code on animal welfare.
While most of the animals were successfully taken in by the participating organizations, some dogs initially resisted capture and were seen wandering the property. Associations are continuing efforts to locate and secure those remaining animals.
Neighbors have expressed frustration with the situation, stating they want to prevent the Countess from acquiring more animals, but she continues to purchase them without providing adequate care. “We want to prevent her from having animals but she buys them and has no control over them,” one neighbor reportedly said.
The case has drawn comparisons to what psychiatry terms “Noah syndrome,” a compulsion to collect animals without the means to properly care for them. The repeat nature of the offenses puts the Countess at risk of losing her license to keep animals, though it has not been revoked in the past.
The legal proceedings are now underway, and the future of Countess du Monceau’s ability to own animals remains uncertain. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure the well-being of the seized animals and address the underlying issues that led to this situation.
