It’s coming home: law gives neighbours right to retrieve lost ball in Belgium

Lawmakers say kicking a ball over the hedge to look around is not allowed, neither is taking anything you fancy

The problem of the grumpy neighbour who refuses to return a wayward ball over a fence will be a thing of the past in Belgium.

From 1 September, anyone who accidentally kicks or throws their ball into a neighbour's garden will have the legal right to retrieve it - if they are willing to brave the frowns and disapproval. The same will apply for pet owners who want to rescue animals who have gone astray.