You may have already seen this awareness photo against the abandonment of animals in Nice, in the form of posters, leaflets, flyers… This is the new campaign launched by the city, aimed, as every year, at raising awareness among pet owners and thus reducing the number of abandonments.
With 61.6 million pets in France (almost as many as the number of inhabitants!), we have the largest animal population in Europe. 51% of French households own one.
This situation leads to a lack of consideration for these animals that are nonetheless real human beings, with a legal status, no longer considered as property during a divorce, for example. This trivialization harms them; if they were endangered, there is no doubt they would be treated differently.
However, the situation in France is such that over 100,000 companion animals are abandoned each year, nearly 70,000 of which are around vacation time! The Côte d’Azur alone reportedly has around 130,000 animals and 500 are abandoned per year.
The abandonment of an animal is a legally punishable act
It should not be forgotten that abandoning a pet is akin to an act of cruelty, punishable by 2 years in prison and a €30,000 fine (art. 521-1 of the penal code). In Norway, for example, the legislation is stricter; they have even created an “Animal Police” and innovative offenses like “failure to assist an injured animal.”
The new awareness campaign for the city of Nice will be deployed in key locations: local town halls, proximity centers, libraries, local action centers, veterinarians, public transportation… It has been supported by Hélène Saliceti-Adroguer, municipal councilor delegated to the animal in the city and sub-delegate for education alongside Christian Estrosi, the deputy mayor of Nice.
Its slogan “adoption is an option, taking responsibility is an obligation” indicates its ambition. It aims to raise awareness among current and future pet owners about adoption and the consequences it entails on a daily basis, but also to assist with the proper organization of their companion’s vacation.
