Wachtebeke (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Starting January 2026, PAULO in Wachtebeke, East Flanders, will train Flemish fire brigades also in rescuing reptiles and wild animals, partnering with UK-based BARTA, backed by deputy David Coppens (N-VA).
As VRT News reported, PAULO, the East Flanders training centre, in Wachtebeke, is well-known across Flanders for its expertise in animal rescue, especially for large animals like cows and horses. PAULO helps firefighters learn how to handle these situations safely.
Firefighters from all over Flanders attend PAULO’s training programs, learning how to manage animals that are trapped, injured, or dangerous. Responding to a request from its teachers to improve the training, East Flanders is expanding and upgrading the courses.
How will PAULO and BARTA transform animal rescue by 2026?
PAULO is teaming up with BARTA, a UK animal rescue training group, to improve its program. BARTA is known for its organised training that focuses on safely rescuing animals and reducing their trauma, while also keeping rescuers safe.
According to David Coppens, this partnership will bring in international best practices, new equipment, and different rescue scenarios. He mentioned that the goal is to create a better training program for all of Belgium, making rescues safer and more humane for animals and rescue teams.
Deputy David Coppens (N-VA) says,
“But I think it is good that we combine our knowledge with that of Barta, so that we can teach firefighters how to save, say, a beaver or a fox.”
According to Coppens, the expanded animal rescue training shows a change in how people view animal welfare. He says people care more about animals now, and this needs to be reflected in how emergency responders are trained.
He mentioned that because animal emergencies are happening more often, there’s pressure to handle these situations carefully and ethically. This is why training programs are updating to include more about animal behaviour, trauma care, and rescue techniques.
Starting in January 2026, there will be a big upgrade to the training program. The government is helping to pay for it. The training will be at Puyenbroeck in Wachtebeke, where they can practice with fake and real animal situations. Officials mentioned that the goal is to give firefighters in Flanders the skills to rescue animals better.
