Flanders Allows Burials with Pets, Modernizes Cemetery Regulations in Sint-Niklaas

Lailuma Sadid
Credit: Fabricio Trujillo via pexels.com

Sint-Niklaas (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Flanders now allows burials alongside pets reflecting strong human-animal bonds. New regulations promote flexible eco-friendly practices, with Sint-Niklaas voting on local adaptations on August 30.

The Flemish parliament has recently changed the rules about cemeteries to allow for more personal burial options. One important change is that people can now be buried next to their deceased pets. It has been said that this new choice shows the strong bond between people and their animals allowing them to keep that connection even after death. Along with the option to be buried with pets the new rules also include more flexible burial practices and eco-friendly options. These changes aim to meet modern preferences and encourage sustainable practices in managing cemeteries. The new regulations make sure that cemetery operators follow standards that respect both the deceased and their families while also considering the environment.

What changes are proposed for Sint-Niklaas cemetery regulations?

Sint-Niklaas is set to be one of the first towns in Flanders to change its local rules with an important vote happening at the municipal council meeting on August 30.It has been said that this effort is part of a larger movement that allows towns to adjust their regulations to better meet their local needs.According to resources the decision to change the rules will be made at the upcoming council meeting which could set an example for other towns thinking about similar changes. Many people will be watching the results of this vote closely because it could affect how local government works in the area.

The new rule allows the ashes of pets to be placed in the same grave columbarium or urn area as their owners as long as certain conditions are followed. The pet must have died before the owner and must have been cremated. The ashes need to be kept in a separate urn that is not biodegradable and they cannot be scattered in a scattering area. These rules make sure that pets’ remains are treated with care and respect, keeping a clear difference between human and animal remains. By following these guidelines the new regulation aims to meet the wishes of pet owners while also maintaining proper standards for burial.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Lailuma Sadid is a former diplomat in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy to the kingdom of Belgium, in charge of NATO. She attended the NATO Training courses and speakers for the events at NATO H-Q in Brussels, and also in Nederland, Germany, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. Sadid has is a former Political Reporter for Pajhwok News Agency, covering the London, Conference in 2006 and Lisbon summit in 2010.
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