The Stéphane Lamart Association has submitted 28 legislative proposals to parliamentarians aimed at strengthening the protection of domestic, wild, and farm animals. These measures, presented as cost-free for public finances, respond to public expectations and are in line with European debates on animal welfare.
The Stéphane Lamart Association “For the Defense of Animal Rights,” recognized for public utility by the Ministry of the Interior, has submitted 28 legislative proposals to parliamentarians. The stated goal is a structured reinforcement of animal protection in France. The measures concern companion animals, wild animals, and farm animals. The content, deemed confidential, has been sent directly to deputies and senators. The association now calls for a quick inclusion of these proposals in the legislative agenda.
The work presented relies on scientific, legal, and field analyses. The approach claims a comprehensive coherence and alignment with ongoing European discussions. According to data reiterated by the association, more than 85% of French people wish for a strengthening of animal protection legislation. This public expectation is one of the foundations of the appeal made to public authorities.
Proposals Structured by Categories of Animals
The 28 legislative proposals are divided into three distinct collections. Each collection corresponds to a specific category. Wildlife forms the first set. Companion animals make up the second part. Farm animals comprise the third axis.
The first part addresses situations concerning dogs and cats. A specific set also concerns new companion animals, known as “NAC.” The proposals also include related activities, such as animal experimentation. Among the central requests is the legal reclassification of animal theft. Currently, this offense remains little considered by the justice system, according to the association. The request aims to recognize the seriousness of these acts in criminal law.
The ban on the sale of NACs in pet shops is also among the priorities. The animal cruelty law of 2021 banned the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops. This ban does not apply to all NACs. Ferrets, snakes, rabbits, or rodents are still available for purchase. This situation, according to the mobilized associations, poses problems related to animal welfare and abandonment. Rabbits are among the animals most affected.
Several organizations support this demand. Among them are 4 Pattes, One Voice, the Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis, and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. The proposals also include the management of stray cats and free-roaming cats. These two distinct legal statuses lead to differences in treatment. The Stéphane Lamart Association wishes for a more coherent approach across the entire territory.
Mistreatment, Farming, and Authorized Practices
The fight against animal mistreatment is another major axis. The proposals aim for increased penalties and better enforcement of existing sentences.
Concerning wild animals, several still-authorized practices are targeted. The ban on cockfighting, still allowed in France, is among the demands. These fights remain legal in certain areas in the name of local traditions. Practices described as violent persist, sometimes associated with illegal betting. Investigations, notably by One Voice, document these realities.
Ritual slaughter is also among the topics addressed. The association requests the ban on any exemption from pre-slaughter stunning. Several European states have already made this choice. European regulation provides for this principle but allows exceptions. The proposals aim to eliminate these exemptions.
The conditions for rearing and transporting farm animals are also considered. The text recalls that eight out of ten animals are raised in cages within the European Union. The European strategy known as “from farm to fork”, integrated into the Green Deal, planned for a revision of animal welfare standards. These reforms remain postponed. The announced deadlines have been repeatedly pushed back.
The proposals also address the labeling of food products. The aim is to inform consumers about rearing, transport, and slaughter conditions. This transparency is seen as a lever for change.
Fish occupy a specific place in the proposals. Aquaculture and fish farming remain poorly regulated in terms of animal welfare. Two European regulations exist, on killing and transport. No text precisely defines rearing conditions. This legal gap favors abuses, according to the associations.
An Approach Without Additional Budgetary Cost
The Stéphane Lamart Association emphasizes the absence of cost to public finances. The proposals are based on modernizing existing texts and harmonizing with European law. Reinforcement of penalties and coordination among stakeholders are the main levers. Law enforcement, veterinary services, magistrates, local authorities, and associations are already active on the ground.
This approach aims to demonstrate that strengthening animal protection can be achieved without increasing the state’s budget. The current political context, marked by institutional instability, nonetheless complicates the inclusion of these topics in the parliamentary agenda.
The association calls for a deep debate and consideration of public expectations. Animal protection is presented as a cross-cutting issue, both legal, ethical, and societal.
Stéphane Lamart, president-founder of the association, states: “The measures we are proposing are primarily common-sense reforms, devoid of any additional cost to the taxpayer. They reflect a minimal ethical requirement: to put an end to avoidable animal suffering. It is now up to the public authorities to translate public expectations into law and make France a leading country, living up to European standards in terms of animal welfare.”
