Document type: press release published by info.gouv.fr
Author: The Government
Preview: On July 28, 2026, the Prime Minister presented an action plan for animal welfare. It calls for the implementation of several measures stemming from the 2021 law against animal abuse, as well as new initiatives aimed at strengthening animal protection and welfare.
A Plan to Strengthen Animal Protection
Presented by the Prime Minister as part of an interagency initiative, this action plan calls for the implementation of several measures stemming from the Act of November 30, 2021 as well as new initiatives to promote animal welfare.
Measures from the 2021 Law
The government has announced several measures aimed at completing the implementation of the 2021 law:
– the publication of the decree establishing penalties for the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, which has been prohibited since 2024;
– the creation of a positive list of wild species that may be kept as pets, in order to regulate the sale and ownership of exotic pets (NAC);
– Strengthening inspections at dog and cat fairs and expos, as well as 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 to animal welfare
– For pets
Key provisions include:
– strengthening the “Animal Welfare” label to better identify farms and businesses committed to animal welfare;
– updating official government websites to reassure pet owners that burying a pet at home is permitted 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, particularly to address the rise in animal abandonment and to support spay-and-neuter campaigns.
– Other measures to protect animals
The government has also 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 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 raising the classification of such offenses from fourth-class to fifth-class misdemeanors. Starting in 2027, a module dedicated to animal abuse will also be included in the training of judges.
The rollout of training for “animal cruelty” liaisons within the police and gendarmerie will also be accelerated, following up on the agreement signed in 2023 between the Ministries of Agriculture and the Interior and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The government has finally announced that it is exploring a system that would allow organizations and animal shelters to verify that a person wishing to adopt a pet is not subject to a court-imposed ban on owning one.
