Lutte contre la maltraitance animale

Today, our animal friends suffer from this scourge of animal abuse. To fight effectively against this abuse, each of us can help. We give you the procedure to report animal abuse.

# 1 What the law says

Article 215-4 of the Rural Code punishes owners who neglect their animals.

"Is punished by the fine provided for contraventions of the 4th class, the fact for any person who raises, keeps or holds domestic animals or wild animals in captivity:

- To deprive them of food or water necessary to meet the physiological needs specific to their species and their degree of development, adaptation or domestication;

- To leave them without care in case of illness or injury;

- To place and maintain them in a habitat or an environment likely to be, because of its cramped nature, its location unsuitable for the climatic conditions tolerable by the species in question or the unsuitability of the materials and fittings used, a cause of suffering, injury or accident;

- To use, except in cases of absolute necessity, attachment or restraint devices as well as fences, cages, or more generally any method of detention unsuitable for the species in question or likely to cause injuries or suffering ”.

For abandonment or serious abuse, the judge may pronounce a sentence of 2 years in prison, plus a fine of € 30,000 against the perpetrator. The culprit will also be prohibited, whether temporarily or permanently, from keeping an animal.

In addition, injuring an animal or causing its death voluntarily is punishable by a fine of € 1,500 and € 3,000 in the event of a repeat offense.

# 2 spot the signs of abuse

Spotting the signs of child abuse is not easy, but there are some signs that don't fool you. However, most of the time, it is only carelessness that it is, and in this case, it is more difficult to spot these signals.

For example, if you see an animal neglected for a while, in need of care, visibly emaciated, in lack of water, food or shelter, or the place where it lives is unsanitary, it means that the animal is neglected. Other examples of mistreatment include terrorizing an animal, not giving it the veterinary care that is necessary, or the animal being sick or injured.

# 3 contact the police

If you see a case of animal abuse, the first thing to do is to contact the police to report it. Do not act on your own, as this may further complicate the situation. Notify the police so they can make the necessary arrangements.

# 4 Get closer to a refuge or the SPA

The second thing to do is to get closer to the shelter closest to your home or the home of the animal or the SPA in order to recommend the organizations to contact. You also have the option of contacting a veterinarian.

The most important thing is to react and act on the first signs of abuse. We must not wait. You will certainly allow an animal to get out of this situation unharmed.

# 5 report the evidence

When making contact with the SPA or the police, it will be necessary to provide evidence. This evidence can consist of photos or even notes that you took when you noticed the mistreatment.

Remember to date the photos and your notes. If you have the opportunity to collect testimonies from your neighbors or those around you, this will supplement your evidence.