In Manche, an animal defense association is sounding the alarm. On Facebook and other online platforms, ads offering kittens “in exchange for good care” have been increasing for several weeks. Publications that the “40 en chats” association considers illegal. In a long message published on her Facebook account Tuesday May 12, she expressed her “fed up” in the face of a situation that has become unmanageable. She points out in particular the lack of respect for several legal obligations imposed when an animal is transferred.
Legal obligations often ignored
In France, giving a cat or kitten is authorized, but several rules must be respected. The donor must in particular have the animal identified by electronic chip or tattoo before the transfer. A veterinary certificate must also be given to the future owner, as well as a certificate of commitment and knowledge signed at least seven days before adoption. The association nevertheless claims to see circulating “hundreds of kittens” offered online without identification or mandatory documents.
Practices which expose owners to sanctions, but which also complicate the tracking of abandoned or lost animals. An individual cannot also sell a kitten from the litter of his cat online without being considered a breeder and subject to the resulting obligations.
Without sterilization, feline proliferation becomes uncontrollable
Beyond the announcements on the Internet, the volunteers denounce through this Facebook post the direct consequences of the lack of sterilization in the territory. According to them, many unwanted litters end up on the streets or are given away.”to the first comer“, without control. Thus, reports of colonies of stray cats are increasing in several municipalities in the Channel. The associations explain that they are requested daily for captures, care or sterilization campaigns, even though their finances and their reception capacities are already saturated.
In its message, the association also accuses certain local elected officials of not assuming their responsibilities. She states that “85% of municipalities in Manche“would be in”impound fault” for cats, without however detailing this estimate precisely. The Rural Code however provides that mayors must take the necessary measures against animal wandering and have a pound solution for stray cats and dogs.
