Document type: article published in Press Agence
Author: Floriane Dumont
Preview: Pet welfare is a Government priority, with strong expectations from the general public. Significant steps have already been taken. Since 2020, thanks to the France Relance plan, more than 36 million euros have been allocated to assist animal protection associations in their work and enable their professionalisation, and to support access to veterinary care. For example - 416 sterilization campaigns have been financed; - a guide and webinars have been made available on the regulations applicable to animal protection associations; - the relaunched "Vétérinaires Pour Tous" association has organized free care for over 3,000 animals from Ukraine since the conflict began through Operation Solidarité Vétérinaire Ukraine. Since November 30, 2021, with the adoption of the law to combat animal abuse, four implementing decrees and six ministerial orders have been published. They have enabled the measures contained in the law to be implemented, for example, stepping up training for staff working with pets, providing information to new purchasers, checking the identification of dogs and cats advertised on online, increasing penalties for acts of abuse, and setting up the new national advisory commission for captive wildlife and the specialized training it provides.
Facilitating synergies between those involved in animal protection
Development of a cross-governmental training course on combating animal abuse, open to MIOM-MASA-MTECT-MJ agents
The MIOM-MASA-SPA partnership has created an online training course on the procedures to follow in combating animal abuse using Mentor (a cross-governmental training platform). Intended primarily for law enforcement officers, the training will also be accessible to agents working for MASA, MTECT and MJ. The level one training provides information on how to react and which partner tocontact in the event of animal abuse. A second training level is planned for animal welfare advisors in law enforcement agencies, supplemented by practical information sheets. Subsequently, a "train the trainer" set of materials will enable training to be rolled out more widely within law enforcement agencies. This training will be available online in autumn 2024.
