Large Original WWI German Occupation Poster 'Bekanntmachung / Bekendmaking' – Protection of Dairy Cattle – Lokeren – 25 January 1915 – approx. 42 × 61 cm

A large and early First World War German occupation poster issued by the Etappenkommandantur in Lokeren, dated 25 January 1915. The proclamation is printed in both German and Dutch, a standard practice used by the German military administration in occupied Belgium to ensure that the regulations were clearly understood by the local population.The notice concerns the protection of cattle and the preservation of livestock production during wartime. In the interest of maintaining and restoring the livestock population, the order states that dairy cows, pregnant cows, nursing cows (heifers), and all young female cattle are not allowed to be slaughtered. These measures were implemented to safeguard milk production and ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural resources during the war, when food supplies were under heavy strain.The proclamation clearly warns that violations of this regulation would be punished with fines of up to 300 Marks or imprisonment, illustrating the strict enforcement of agricultural and food supply policies under the German occupation.The poster was issued in Lokeren on 25 January 1915 and signed simply 'Der Etappen-Kommandant / De Etappen-Kommandant', representing the German military administrative authority responsible for the region.Measuring approximately 42 × 61 cm, this is a relatively large example of a wartime municipal notice. The poster shows clear signs of age and period use, including fold lines, edge wear, small tears and old tape repairs, consistent with original public display during the war.A very interesting and early example of German occupation administration in Belgium during World War I, illustrating the strict regulation of agriculture and food production. An attractive piece for collectors of WWI occupation material, German military administration documents, and historical wartime posters.