Document type : news item from the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion
Author: French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion
Preview: With a view to providing shelter for animals affected by the law to combat animal abuse, a call for expressions of interest (AMI) is being launched today. This will enable early identification of projects led by circus professionals who wish to convert their facilities, associations, managers of existing shelters and sanctuaries or zoos.
In September 2020, the French Ministry of Ecological Transition announced a legal reform that would improve the lives of wild species in captivity.
After many months of work, French Law 2021-1539 to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between animals and humans was passed on 30 November 2021. It introduced numerous changes to human relationships with captive wildlife in France and enshrined this reform in law. In particular, the law makes provision for a ban on the keeping of wild animals in travelling establishments from 1 December 2028.
As part of its commitment to ensure that the animals involved will have a future that respects their physiological needs and their well-being, the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion is today launching a call for expressions of interest in order to identify projects for the housing of wild animals currently kept by travelling companies.
This call for expressions of interest is aimed at:
- touring companies who would like to re-establish themselves in fixed premises such as refuges/sanctuaries for captive wild animals
- project leads or current managers of fixed premises such as refuges/sanctuaries for captive wild animals.
These permanent establishments must comply with the provisions of article L. 413-1-1 of the French Environment Code, which defines the parameters for captive wild animal sanctuaries. Performances and shows will not be permitted and, if the animals are shown to the public, projects must emphasise the pedagogical and educational nature of their activity. Animals housed there will not be permitted to reproduce.
How to apply?
Project leaderscansend an outline of their project to the Ministry (et3.deb.dgaln@developpement-durable.gouv.fr) until 6 August. The preliminary selection will be made between 8 August and 2 September 2022. Leaders of pre-selected projects must then submit details of their project by 30 September 2022. Those projects selected following the second round of selection will be able to benefit from financial support, specified in accordance with their needs.
