Document type: press release published by info.gouv.fr
Author: The Government
Preview: On July 28, 2026, the French Prime Minister presented an action plan for animal welfare. This calls for the implementation of several measures introduced in the 2021 legislation to combat animal abuse, along with new initiatives aimed at strengthening animal protection and welfare.
A Plan to Strengthen Animal Protection
Presented by the Prime Minister as part of a government inter-departmental initiative, this action plan calls for the implementation of several measures introduced in the French legislation dated November 30, 2021 accompanied by new initiatives to promote animal welfare.
Measures to be implemented from the 2021 Law
The government has announced a number of measures intended to complete the implementation of the 2021 legislation:
– publication of the Decree establishing penalties for the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, which has been prohibited since 2024;
– creation of a positive list of wild species that may be kept as pets, in order to regulate the sale and ownership of non-traditional companion animals (NTCAs);
– Strengthening inspections at dog and cat fairs and shows and oversight of online sales, to combat trafficking and fraudulent practices;
– Enhancing training for professionals in the animal sector, particularly dog and cat breeders; and implementing new measures to protect animals during heat waves.
New measures for animal welfare
– For pets
Key provisions include:
– strengthening the “Animal Welfare” label to improve identification of farms and businesses committed to animal welfare;
– updating official government websites to reassure pet owners that it is legal to bury a pet at home and to clarify the conditions under which this is allowed.
– Increased support for shelters
A budget of 10 million euros will be allocated to shelters and local organizations, especially to address the rise in animal abandonments and to support sterilization campaigns.
– Other measures to protect animals
Equally, the government has announced an upcoming ban on the import of hunting trophies from endangered species.
New measures have also been announced to support the development of alternative methods for scientific research and to gradually reduce the use of animals for scientific purposes, particularly dogs.
– Tougher penalties for animal abuse
Penalties for acts of animal abuse will be increased by re-classifying such offences from fourth-degree to fifth-degree misdemeanors. Starting in 2027, a module dedicated to animal abuse will also be included in the training of legal decision-makers in the courts.
The rollout of training for “animal cruelty” advisors within the ranks of the police and gendarmerie will also be accelerated, continuing the implementation of the agreement signed in 2023 between the Ministries of Agriculture and the Interior and the French Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Last, the government has announced that it is exploring a mechanism by which organizations and animal shelters could verify that any individual seeking to adopt a pet is not subject to a court order banning them from keeping animals.
