The legislative process was completed with the almost total adoption by the French Senate of the Law against Animal Abuse.
The result of the vote was 332 votes in favour, 1 against and 10 abstentions.
This bill includes the gradual prohibition of wildlife in circuses and dolphin houses, the cessation of the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, and more severe penalties for abuse or abandonment.
It was also reported in Le Monde, France's Minister of Agriculture, Julien Denormandie, that the new bill was aimed primarily at pets because “they are neither toys nor consumer goods”. Currently, nearly 50 per cent of French people own pets, but about 100,000 are abandoned each year.
Therefore, in order to prevent the abandonment of adoptions as a result of impulsive purchases, the pet must sign a document certifying the existence of the relevant knowledge of breeding before any purchase takes place.
It was reported that the new bill would prohibit the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops and the display of animals in windows from 1 January 2024. Those who wish to raise cats and dogs must buy them directly from breeders or adopt them from animal institutions, etc., and online animal sales will be subject to stricter regulation.
In addition, the intentional killing of a pet would constitute an offence and would no longer be considered a minor offence. The maximum penalty for animal abuse is five years ' imprisonment and a fine of Euro755,000 (approximately RMB 540,000) and must also attend awareness training courses.