Every year, in France, the SPA (Society for the Protection of Animals) estimates that around 60,000 animals are abandoned during the summer. An alarming situation for the organization, which also experienced a record last year.
To fight against this scourge and as part of the animal mission in town, for the past two years, an awareness campaign has been carried out by the municipality among the population. Behind this project, like last year, Sophie Beurel, municipal councilor in charge of animal life.
“There is no reason to quit. »
Started in June, this poster campaign will continue throughout the summer, until the end of August. “It is longer than last year, with twelve weeks, compared to five in 2021”, highlights the chosen one. Going on vacation is the leading cause of animal abandonment, ahead of moving, separation or financial reasons. The poster, sober, striking, conveys a clear message: “There is no reason to justify abandonment. It is broadcast on various digital media, billboards in the city, and also on social networks.
To know. The abandonment of an animal is considered an act of cruelty, punishable by two years’ imprisonment and a fine of €30,000 (article 521-1 of the Penal Code). Since 2015, animals are considered sentient beings.
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“It had to be accessible to everyone, young and old, to appeal to people. When going on vacation, it is best to take your pet with you. If the owners cannot or if they think they have no solution, they can find out on the City’s website that there are many alternatives to find professionals who will take care of their animals during the holidays. We have identified a dozen structures: home care, boarding house, temporary foster family, etc. “.
Otherwise, if you notice the presence of a stray animal in town, it is advisable to contact the municipal police (02.37.23.42.84)which will register the report.
Also watch out for the heat.
The heat this year has not spared pets either, who feel it just as much as humans. “It is also important to hydrate your dog regularly, advises Sophie Beurel, to wet the most fragile or heat-sensitive areas. It is important to favor walks early in the morning or late in the evening, the most shady places such as the canine space located rue des Petites-Filles-Dieu… You should also know that those with a darker coat are more fragile, because they store more heat”.
premium With the heat wave, the animals also suffer from the heat
The elected also thinks of the wildlife of the city, such as birds or hedgehogs. “For them, it’s good to leave a small bowl of shallow water in the garden.”
A new dog area will open this year
Rue Jules-Hetzel, in the district of La Madeleine, a cat shack was installed at the beginning of the year so that stray cats can find shelter and feed, but also so that the City can identify them. “Volunteers from the sector take turns to take care of them,” says Sophie Beurel. The operation should also be repeated soon, with the installation of other cabins in several places in Chartres. Another project: after that of rue des Petites-Filles Dieu, a second canine space is also planned, at the level of the Green Plan.
Reporting. In the event of an accident or hospitalization, “I have an animal alone at home” alert cards can be used to alert situations where an animal could be alone at home. These cards are distributed free of charge at the one-stop shop and in the main public establishments.
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Estelle Rosset
[email protected]
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