Document type : news item from the French Government website
Author: Gouvernement.fr
Preview: Summer is a dangerous time for pets. Find out about the three-part plan that has been in place since 2020 to combat this scourge.
With more than 20 million domestic carnivores (including 9.3 million dogs and 6.5 million identified cats), half of all French households own a pet. Despite this strong attachment to animals, France unfortunately also holds the European record for the number of abandoned pets, say the 30 Millions d'Amis foundation.
As pets are left at the roadside or find themselves suffering from dehydration and heatstroke, and with a lack of knowledge among the general public of the rules to follow when travelling with a pet, the summer season is certainly a risky one for pets.
In order to combat this assault on pet welfare, an awareness campaign, #StopAbandon, was launched in France in July. It serves as a reminder of the government's ambitious three-part plan to protect companion animals.
1: Raising awareness
The abandonment of pets is often the result of impulse purchases and adoptions, which have increased in numbers during lockdown. Sometimes, too, prospective owners are simply unaware of the responsibilities they are taking on for the 10 to 15 years of their pets' lives.
In order to put an end to perceptions of animals as objects and the better to anticipate their needs when fully grown, an awareness certificate will soon be introduced for adopters or buyers. This certificate, which can be signed at a vet's, shelter, kennel or pet shop, encourages good practice.
Adopters will thus be made aware of issues such as costs, vaccinations and the legal obligation to microchip pets. The process of awareness-raising will begin in primary schools using a booklet aimed at the youngest age groups.
2: Organisation and support
As part of the France Relance plan, 20 million euros have been earmarked for associations, groups and shelters, all of which are essential links in the fight against animal abuse. The French State, which now contributes to the costs of sterilisation campaigns for stray animals, has also made a commitment to make it easier for the most disadvantaged owners to access veterinary care.
Currently, there are only estimates of the levels of abandonment in France since no organisation is mandated to carry out this task. By 2022, an observatory for the protection of domestic carnivores will have been set up, working alongside animal protection groups in a fully transparent way to have access to more exact information.
3: Sanctions
Abandoning an animal is legally considered to be an act of cruelty and ill-treatment, now punishable by 2 years imprisonment and a €30,000 fine. In reality, few legal cases are successful. The Government's Bill provides for the penalty to be increased to up to three years' imprisonment and a ban on pet ownership.
