Nationwide Lockdown in France, 'Dog Walking' Allowed as an Exception

The Country with the Most Developed Pet Culture

Alongside Purchasing Daily Necessities and Visiting Hospitals

Walking Dogs Also Considered a Legitimate Reason for Going Out

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] There is a saying that "one in three French citizens has a dog." This reflects how France is considered the country with the most developed pet culture. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the French pet culture stands out. On the 16th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron issued a nationwide lockdown order in a public address, but made an exception for "dog walking."

According to Korean residents in France and local media, the French government issued a nationwide lockdown order starting at noon on the 17th for fifteen days, specifying legally permissible reasons for going out. These include ▲purchasing daily necessities, ▲visiting hospitals for treatment, ▲commuting to workplaces where telecommuting is impossible (such as supermarket employees), and ▲individual exercise (not in groups). "Walking dogs" was also included as a legitimate reason for going out.

This is interpreted as stemming from France’s unique pet culture. France is a place where dogs are allowed even in places where smokers are not. In France, there is a widespread tolerant attitude toward animals, to the extent that pets are not prohibited from entering supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and similar places.

Because of this, some argue that the reason COVID-19 cases continue to rise in France is due to this. Despite the French government’s lockdown order and the ban on operating multi-use facilities such as cafes and restaurants until the 15th of next month, French citizens can freely go out for reasons like "dog walking." President Macron even criticized the complacent awareness of his citizens as "foolish."

However, it is known that confusion such as panic buying of daily necessities has largely subsided. Kim (33), a Korean resident who has lived in Paris for 13 years, said, "On the day the shutdown started, the 17th, there was chaos with items running out in supermarkets," adding, "Above all, it is difficult to obtain COVID-19 information through local media."

Earlier, through President Macron’s special address, France also banned calling movers or repair workers to homes during the lockdown period. To go out, one must download a movement certificate form from the government website, fill in the reason for going out, and carry it along with an ID. If the police request to see the certificate and it is not carried, a fine ranging from a minimum of 35 euros (about 50,000 KRW) to a maximum of 135 euros (about 180,000 KRW) must be paid.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.