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French police warn of jail terms for people who abandon their pets

The Local France
The Local France - [email protected]
Published: 7 Jun, 2019 CET. Updated: Fri 7 Jun 2019 11:08 CET
French police warn of jail terms for people who abandon their pets
In France 60,000 pets were abandoned last summer. Photo: AFP

French police are warning pet owners that they face a possible prison term and fine of up to €30,000 if they abandon their animals.

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Last summer a total of 60,000 animals were abandoned in France, with many found in a pitiful and half-starved state.

This year the Gendarmerie national has launched a publicity campaign telling people about the alternatives available if they are no longer able to care for a pet.

 

Police have also warned pet owners that abandoning an animal is classed as an act of cruelty, which under French law has a maximum penalty of two years in prison or a €30,000 fine.

Police have teamed up with animal welfare organisation 30 Million Amis to launch the campaign, which they hope will discourage people from abandoning pets.

Last summer animal shelters across the country reported that they were buckling under the strain of the number of abandoned animals.

Financial difficulties was the main reason that people gave for no longer being able to look after a pet.

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[email protected] 2019/06/07 22:29
There is also a significant problem, at least in rural areas, where owners just let their dogs roam wild. My neighbour has a Great Dane, which has attacked at least 7 other dogs in our commune whilst roaming free, and, now a cross breed which is a lovely dog, but has an amazing ability to scale 2m high walls, and terrifies our cats. The Mayor writes letters and the Gendarme visit now and again, but he does not do anything about it. he laughed when I told him his dog had viciously attacked our, much smaller dog. I despair.
[email protected] 2019/06/07 17:31
French Riviera Animals help thousands of animals each year. They are a charitable organization and pay for vet fees and meds and transportation to safe shelters. They qualify foster homes and all who are adopting pets. They are funded through donations and volunteers. Sometimes the older owner dies or has been taken to hospital , but alas there are many abandoned, many of those are no longer wanted or “useful” hunting dogs. So sad. This group is really trying to help. Check out their website.
[email protected] 2019/06/07 12:28
"Financial difficulties was the main reason that people gave for no longer being able to look after a pet." And yet homeless people in Paris have their pets next to them?<br />
[email protected] 2019/06/07 11:39
If you are looking for a dog just go to your local SPA or search through their website.

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