Document type : Written answer published in the Journal officiel de la République française
Authors: Question: Jean-Hugues Ratenon (La France insoumise - Réunion). Answer: French Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Question: Mr Jean-Hugues Ratenon has alerted the Minister of Agriculture and Food to the problem of stray animals in La Réunion. This is a societal problem that has still not been resolved, despite the three-year plan in operation since 2017. To date, more than 73,000 dogs are still at large. This has two main consequences, namely, the danger they present to the population and the reduction of native species that are the ideal prey for these stray animals. With the health crisis, the situation is also deteriorating for groups working to control stray animals and for the French Society for the Protection of Animals. Their organisations are overwhelmed by animal numbers and they are struggling to feed them. Many associations receive no funding despite their crucial contribution. Since sterilisation is no longer possible for animal sin these numbers, euthanasia is unfortunately becoming the only solution, which raises many problems. He asks him, despite a study planned for 2022, if he will listen to the alarm raised by the SPA and groups, and take active steps on stray animals, and if he will provide funding, through the recovery plan, for the associations actively at work on the island.
Answer: The fight to prevent pet abandonment is a priority for the Government, which is taking action in several areas. First, as part of the France Relance recovery programme, an initial national budget of €20 million has been set aside for actions to step up the fight against animal abandonment and strays since 2021. This €20 million has been allocated to four measures: the organisation and professionalisation of local associations to be carried out by national associations or foundations; funds to invest in shelters and the sterilisation of stray animals; funds to provide access to veterinary care for animals of the homeless; and the creation of a national observatory for the protection of domestic carnivores that will provide objective data on the situation, ensure transparency on such data, and contribute to changes in public policies. The allocation of funds for shelters and the sterilisation of stray animals originally stood at €14 million. This sum of 14 M€ was destined for all animal protection associations on French territory. A budget was set aside for the overseas Départements where sterilisation campaigns are to reduce stray dog populations, a problem of particular importance in these Départements. Nationally, this €14 million has made it possible to finance more than 330 projects. In light of this success and the continued needs identified, the President of the Republic announced on 4 October 2021 that the initial budget would be increased by a further €15 million. These new funds will make it possible to fund new sterilisation campaigns and to formalise small groups without shelters. Successful bids for this new funding will be announced in March 2022. Second, the fight against pet abandonment is not confined to the French Recovery Plan. Act number 2021-1539, passed in 30 November 2021 set out to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between animals and humans, includes several measures with the same goal. In terms of accountability, it requires a certificate of commitment and knowledge to be signed prior to the acquisition of a dog or cat. A decree is currently being prepared to set out the terms of its implementation. It also provides a strict framework for ownership transfers via Internet sites. Online advertisements may only be posted on pages dedicated to animal advertisements, which must also include awareness-raising messages. The website host will also have to set up a data verification process, in accordance with procedures to be specified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in a forthcoming order. Advertisements that do not comply with these provisions may be subject to a fine. The law provides for other measures that have a positive impact on the problem of stray animals: town and city police officers and rural wardens can now check the identification of dogs and cats and, provided they are correctly identified, can return them directly to their owners without impoundment. In the case of stray cats, more specifically, the Act provides for the presentation to Parliament of a report on the cost of capturing and sterilising these animals. This report will be accompanied by permanent and operational recommendations. Last, since awareness-raising among children is essential from the earliest age, the Ministries of Education and Agriculture and Food are currently working on the development of an educational tool to raise awareness of animal welfare that can be used in primary-school classrooms.
