French Government Makes an Exception to Shelter-in-Place Order: Adopting Pets

Pets are frequently a great source of joy for their owners, a way to stave off loneliness in hard times.  In France, however, many would-be pet owners were unable to go rescue animals from shelters due to the strict Wuhan Flu confinement measures.

The need is great, and growing more and more each day, as over 13,000 people in France have died from the virus.

“We have 5,000 animals in our shelters and a capacity of 6,000,” said Jacques-Charles Fombonne, president of the Animal Protection Society (SPA).  However, their sixty-two shelters had to shut down, due to the governmental decrees weeks ago. As the number of animals grew – as well as the demand for pets – there was no way to place the pets with the new owners.

This weekend, however, came a compromise. 

“Fully behind the cause of animal welfare, the government has heard the SPA’s call and immediately shown the heart to find a sensible solution,” said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.  “It has been decided that tolerance will be granted for travel to adopt animals from shelters. This will enable the rules to be respected and to save the lives of numerous animals,” the ministry added.

There will be safeguards, such as picking out the pet online and sending one person to pick up the pet with an appointment.  Still, the government’s provision will allow pets to be adopted into new homes.

What a great story of the government listening to the calls of the people…. And using common sense to solve an ever-growing problem.

Bien joué!

Image Credit: Mark Meckler – these are three generations of Meckler ladies out for a walk.

Hat Tip: Barron’s