With homeless pets languishing in shelters amid the coronavirus pandemic, France is making one exception to its strict stay-at-home policy to allow people outside for pet adoptions.
Following a plea from the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), the country’s Interior Ministry is granting permission to people to find animal companions at one of the SPA’s 62 rescue centers, which were closed to the public several weeks ago due to newly-imposed guidelines restricting public movement.
“It has been decided that tolerance will be granted for travel to adopt animals from shelters,” the ministry said in a statement, before clarifying that there are still regulations to be followed, such as selecting the pet online and coming to the shelter alone. “This will enable the rules to be respected and to save the lives of numerous animals.”
The SPA needed immediate action, reporting over 5,000 animals in their shelters and a total capacity of only 6,000. Fortunately, the government swiftly responded.
“Fully behind the cause of animal welfare,” said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, “the government has heard the SPA’s call and immediately shown the heart to find a sensible solution.”
As social distancing and self-isolation measures continue to be implemented and abided by, more people are turning to pets to relieve loneliness, boredom, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to remember that these special bonds are not meant to be temporary, and everyone should have a plan in place for the lifelong care of their new furry friends.
Hoping many pets find loving, forever homes.
Love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Il ne faudrait pas que ces personnes les abandonnent après !
Les Français sont les champions d’Europe de l’abandon !
Ça me fait peur pour ces pauvres Animaux !
Stop animal cruelty
Do they adopt with the correct questions in mind? Will I be able to look after this pet his entire life and give him all the attention he needs and will he have someone visiting him while I’m away at work ?
Mixed feelings -are people adopting because they have time [now] and are lonely?
What happens when the adopter returns to work and there’s no companion at home
for the dog. Separation anxiety, soiling and destruction > animal not wanted > return
to shelter.
The French have an ugly habit of throwing their pets out on the streets when they vacation in the summer. In 2018, some 60,000 pets were abandoned when their self-absorbed owners left for their summer vacations. If history is any indicator, I’m guessing these adoptions will only result in a temporary home for these poor animals.
Pets are for life. Not just for lockdown.
moche
Kudos to you France for allowing animals to be adopted during the pandemic. I do animal rescue and I am so in fear of the backup the huge backup of animals in this country that are not being adopted. My biggest fear is that we’re going to have mass euthanasia, if the authorities don’t allow people to go and adopt these precious dogs and cats
While I am happy that pet adoptions are upI am concerned about what will happen when things go back to normal.
Don’t just adopt a pet because you’re lonely, it is a lifelong commitment, you have to be prepare without hesitation.
Bravo, France! I hope that many shelter animals find their forever homes! May God bless the new pet owners & their pets!