Adoption of the law against animal abuse

The law against animal abuse was presented to the National Assembly for the first time in October 2020. After a failure, it was finally adopted, in first reading on January 29, 2021. The scores of the animalist party in the various elections influenced parliamentarians

Law proposition

The National Assembly debated the bill on October 1, 2020. It was presented to defend ethical, socially just and animal welfare concerned breeding. His articles are:

• Ethical and transparent slaughter
• Supervision of slaughter and pig farming
• Regulation of animal transport
• Supervision of poultry breeding and slaughter
• Outdoor access for animals
• Supervision of rabbit farming
• Moratorium on intensive farming

Barbara Pompili, Minister for the Ecological Transition made announcements in favor of captive wildlife. This concerns dolphinariums, circuses and traveling shows, mink farms and zoos. Certain practices that generate suffering in animals could gradually disappear.

The purpose of this law

On October 8, LREM-EDS deputies including Cédric Villani, Matthieu Orphelin or Paula Forteza, presented a bill on animal welfare. The National Assembly examined it in committee.

The fight against animal suffering is entering new scientific studies. It is based on animal behavior and its sensitive faculties, on the balance of ecosystems. Philosophers, associations, professional federations, unions and breeders have worked together.

The FIFG survey

In August 2020, the FIFG carried out a survey which showed:

• 2/3 of French people want animal welfare to be better taken into account. Otherwise:
• 82% of French people say they are in favor of banning cage farming within 5 years
• 91% are for the obligation of exterior access for all farm animals
• 82% say they are against hunting with hounds

The PPL Animaux provides support and financial support to the economic players concerned. A flexible calendar of actions and the creation of a support fund for farmers are on the program.

Objectives of the PPL law

This bill has economic and ethical objectives. It gives breeders an advantage with a move upmarket in livestock products. The transition fund helps their development towards an activity more respectful of animal welfare.

Socially, she wants to respond to the dietary changes of the French and the demand for a diet more sober in meat but of better quality. In addition, it improves the quality of working conditions for breeders.

At the ecological level, its aim is to reduce pollution and the environmental footprint linked to these activities, and to preserve biodiversity and endangered species.

Failure to vote on the law

On October 12, the National Assembly rejected the Animal PPL after only 2 hours of debates to defend it. MEPs were only able to review 5-6% of the text. LR and UDI deputies having slowed down the debates following parliamentary maneuvers.

Adoption of the law in second presentation

On January 29, the law against animal abuse was passed in the National Assembly: 79 votes in favor; 2 votes against. However, there is still a lot to do for all animals.

All points of the law

Wildlife captivity

• Prohibition of the keeping of wild animals in traveling circuses and cetaceans in dolphinaria (5-year ban).
• Zoos will no longer be able to keep cetaceans Immediate ban on the breeding and acquisition of wild animals in circuses, and killer whales in dolphinariums.
• End of bear and wolf trainer activities (under 2 years). – Ban on the use of wild animals in variety shows, games and tours of TV sets.
• Ban on presenting wild animals in discos or during festive events (immediate application).

Fur

• Closure of mink farms in 2023.
• Immediate ban on all breeding of wild animals for their fur.

Law

• Increase in the penalties incurred: 3 years imprisonment and a fine of € 45,000 in the event of serious abuse; 5 years’ imprisonment and a € 75,000 fine for mistreatment resulting in death.
• A person who, faced with a danger threatening an animal, performs an act necessary for its protection is not criminally responsible.
• Aggravating circumstances upon abandonment. For example, in the event of obstruction, abandonment in an enclosed place or on the side of a road, the penalties incurred increase: up to 5 years in prison and a € 75,000 fine in these cases.
• Willfully killing an animal was punishable by a simple fine of € 1,500. It becomes a crime.
• Minimum penalty of 5 years prohibition to keep an animal, in case of conviction for mistreatment.
• Awareness training course on the prevention and fight against animal abuse, for people convicted of abuse.
• An act of mistreatment by the « owner » of the animal is an aggravating circumstance.

Pets

• Ban on the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores by 2024.
• Introduction of the obligation of a knowledge certificate: for any new purchaser of a pet.
• The obligation for mayors to sterilize stray cats.
• The sale of dogs and cats on classified ad sites will be reserved for breeders and shelters, in order to limit traffic.

Pound

• Any identified animal, found, can be returned directly to the owner, free of charge.
• The detention period, before a possible euthanasia, will be reduced from 8 to 15 days.

Ethics

• Prohibition of the creation and distribution of any zoopornographic content.
• Prohibition of pony rides.
• Teaching of animal ethics in the National Universe Service.

About The Author