France Toughens Penalties for Pet Abandonment: Up to 3 Years in Prison
In France, abandoning a pet is no longer treated as a minor lapse in responsibility—it is classified as a serious criminal offense under the law, carrying severe penalties designed to deter one of the country’s most persistent animal welfare issues.
Since the passage of Loi n° 2021-1539 du 30 novembre 2021 (the law aimed at combating animal cruelty and strengthening the bond between humans and animals), the penalties for abandoning domesticated, tamed, or captive animals have been significantly increased. This legislation updated Article 521-1 of the French Penal Code, recognizing animals as sentient beings (a status granted in French law since 2015) and treating abandonment as an act of cruelty equivalent to serious mistreatment.
Current Penalties Under the Law
- Standard abandonment — Leaving a pet to fend for itself without care or supervision — is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine of €45,000.
- Aggravated abandonment — When the act places the animal in conditions involving an immediate or imminent risk of death (such as abandoning it on a highway, in extreme weather, or without any means of survival) — carries harsher consequences: up to 4 years in prison and a €60,000 fine.
- Abandonment resulting in the animal’s death — Can lead to up to 5 years in imprisonment and a €75,000 fine.
Courts may also impose additional sanctions, such as a permanent or temporary ban on owning animals, or prohibitions from working in animal-related professions.
These measures represent a substantial upgrade from the pre-2021 penalties, which capped standard cases at 2 years in prison and a €30,000 fine. The 2021 reform was driven by widespread public concern over France’s high abandonment rates and the desire to send a clear message: pets are not disposable objects.
The Ongoing Crisis of Pet Abandonment in France
Despite the stricter laws, France continues to lead Europe in pet abandonments, with estimates ranging from 300,000 to over 330,000 animals (primarily dogs, cats, and new companion animals or NACs) affected each year. Recent data from 2024 and projections for 2025 indicate a slight upward trend, with around 330,000 to 345,000 cases annually. The summer months remain the peak period, often linked to vacations, when thousands of animals are left behind—sometimes at a rate of one every two minutes during July and August.
Shelters, including those run by the Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA), are frequently overwhelmed. In recent summers, thousands of animals have been taken in, many showing signs of distress, starvation, or confusion after being abandoned. Factors contributing to this persistent problem include impulse adoptions, rising living costs, lifestyle changes, and a lack of long-term planning by owners.
Responsible Alternatives to Abandonment
The law draws a clear distinction between irresponsible abandonment and responsible surrender. Handing over a pet directly to a shelter, rescue association, or approved organization is not considered abandonment—it is treated as a legitimate transfer of ownership and does not trigger criminal penalties.
To further reduce abandonments, the 2021 law introduced preventive measures, such as requiring prospective owners of dogs, cats, rabbits, or ferrets to sign a certificate of commitment and knowledge (certificat d’engagement et de connaissance), which outlines the responsibilities and costs of pet ownership, along with a mandatory 7-day reflection period before acquisition.
A Strong Message for Animal Welfare
France’s approach underscores a growing recognition that companion animals are sentient beings deserving of protection, not just property. While challenges remain—shelters report high occupancy rates and ongoing abuse cases—the reinforced penalties aim to promote responsible ownership and curb the heartbreaking cycle of abandonment.
If you encounter an abandoned animal in France, report it to local authorities, the police, gendarmerie, or organizations like the SPA. Ultimately, the key to change lies in thoughtful adoption decisions and a commitment to lifelong care. Pets are family members, and the law now ensures that abandoning them comes with serious consequences.
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