The SPA, like all animal protection organizations, is closing all its shelters, SPA Houses, and dispensaries to the public starting this Sunday, March 15, until further notice.
Beyond the human health measures implemented by the government, SPA warns the French about a catastrophic situation concerning our pets.
The message is clear: there is no evidence to suggest that pets are involved in the transmission of the virus. All scientific sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), agree: COVID-19 does not affect pets like dogs and cats, and they are not involved in the spread of this epidemic.
As a result, SPA calls upon pet owners not to believe rumors about this, as they could lead to catastrophic consequences in terms of abandonment. Public pounds, as well as animal protection association shelters that take in animals from these pounds for re-adoption, are already almost at capacity. The closure of the shelters to the public will drastically hinder adoptions. The conclusion of this exceptional situation is very simple: if a massive wave of pet abandonment occurs, it will lead to a massive wave of euthanasia in the pounds, as provided for by French law. Associations will no longer be able to absorb the influx of animals coming from the pounds. “We urge all pet owners, and all French people who care about animal welfare, to widely spread the message that it is senseless and inhumane to abandon your pet due to false rumors. Thank you all for widely disseminating this crucial information to prevent our pets from paying a heavy price. Let us all be fair and humane together!” Jacques-Charles Fombonne, President of the SPA.
