Historic animal protection bill passed in France

Historic animal protection bill passed in France

19 November 2021
LFDA
News
On November 18, the French Senate definitively adopted a new animal protection bill “aimed at combating animal abuse and strengthening the link between animals and humans”. This success follows an agreement on the measures by a joint commission (composed of deputies and senators) on October 21, and an almost unanimous adoption at the National Assembly on November 16.

Highlights of the bill include: 

  • Immediate ban on the breeding of mink and other non-domesticated animals raised specifically for their fur
  • End of wild animals in circuses within 7 years
  • Ban on keeping cetaceans in dolphinaria in 5 years
  • Increase in fines and recommended sentence times for those convicted of animal cruelty
  • Ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores from 2024
  • Better regulation of the sale of animals online
  • The end of bear and wolf riders, pony rides or the exhibition of animals in nightclubs or parties by 2023
  • Awareness of respect for pets in the curriculum of primary education, colleges and high schools 

This victory marks a legislative turning point in France, a step forward that will lead to others, it is also the message that we want to send to the candidates of the 2022 elections.

Christophe Marie, Fondation Brigitte Bardot

It is a great victory long awaited by animal rights activists and a majority of French people, and a major breakthrough for the condition of animals in France.

La Fondation Droit Animal, Éthique et Sciences

This is a significant step forward for animal protection in France. Eurogroup for Animals congratulates our French member organisations for their tireless efforts that contributed to this victory.

Read the full legislative file here.