Document type: podcast of an episode of Le téléphone sonne broadcast on France Inter on 15/08/2023 (40 min)
Authors: Sara Ghibaudo, Zaad Merzak, Elisabeth Rouvé, Pauline Cavallier. Guests: Jacques-Charles Fombonne, Katia Renard, Loïc Dombreval
Preview : Since the beginning of this summer, 12,000 pets have been abandoned in France. The shelters are overflowing. Animals are becoming increasingly expensive and adoptions are falling. Advances have been made in legislation to raise awareness and place restraints on adoptions.
In 2023, over 20,000 animals were abandoned [in France]. Pet products are being hit by inflation. Between March 2022 and March 2023, prices rose by 15%. Rising energy, cereal and meat costs are being ted in the prices of dry food, litter and veterinary bills. In 2022, French pet owners spent an average of 943 euros on pet care. That's 125 euros more than in 2020. For some, these price rises are sufficient reason to abandon their pets. According to a 2022 Ifop survey, 7% of respondents said they had relinquished their pets for financial reasons.
Owners who abandon their pets can be fined up to 4500 euros and be sentenced to up to 3 years' imprisonment. Courts may also forbid a person to own a pet. To keep down the number of abandoned animals, it is essential to make prospective owners aware of their responsibilities. A certificate of commitment has, since October 1, 2022 been required of all new cat and dog owners. Buyers are required to sign this certificate before a purchase. They must also observe a 7-day cooling-off period before taking charge of the animal.
The legislation is also being tightened with regard to the sale of animals. From 1 January, 2024, cats and dogs will no longer be sold in pet shops. Only professionals and shelters will be authorized to sell animals online. Online pet advertisements will appear in a designated section, and must state that they have been verified by the French Ministry of Agriculture.
- What measures should be put in place to help pet buyers to act more responsibly?
- Is French legislation strict enough?
- How should pet adoptions be encouraged?
