"Don't Buy, Adopt" France Strengthens Animal Rights... What About Our Country? [Hello? Animal]

France to Ban Pet Sales in 'Pet Shops' Starting 2024
Prohibition of Common 'Window Animal Displays' on Streets
Aimed at Preventing Impulse Adoptions and Strengthening Abuse Penalties

Reference photo. A dog is smiling broadly at its owner's touch. Photo by Pixabay

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I hope our country strengthens animal rights as well." "Let's adopt instead of buying."

France has passed a law banning the sale of pets in 'pet shops' starting in 2024. Naturally, this has sparked interest in where animal rights currently stand in our country. The law, which reflects France's recognition of strengthened animal rights, immediately prohibits trading animals as commodities. Punishments for abuse are also set to be severe. Criticism arises as it is impossible not to compare this with our country's situation, where many cases of cruel animal abuse receive suspended sentences.

According to the law reported by local media Connexion on the 19th of last month (local time), France will prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops starting in 2024. Additionally, shops can only showcase animals available for adoption through official animal welfare associations. Those who wish to keep pets must purchase from professional breeders or adopt from animal protection facilities.

Furthermore, anyone who intends to give away or sell a pet must provide information related to the costs of keeping the pet. The recipient must sign to confirm they have reviewed this information. Minors must obtain parental consent to adopt a pet. This aims to reduce abandonment caused by impulsive adoptions.

Moreover, displaying animals in pet shops will also be banned. This allows pets such as dogs and cats to avoid stress caused by new people knocking on or talking to the display cases repeatedly. In summary, animal rights have been strongly reinforced and codified into law as is.

A pet shop in Seoul. Puppies are resting with their backs turned inside a glass enclosure. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Penalties for animal abuse have been significantly strengthened. If an animal dies due to abuse, the offender may face up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of 75,000 euros (approximately 100 million KRW). Serious abuse can result in up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of 45,000 euros. Notably, "intentional attacks on an animal's life" are explicitly punishable. Abandoning animals in places where they may die results in aggravated penalties.

The government also holds a favorable stance. Julien Denormandie, France's Minister of Agriculture, expressed support for the law, stating, "Pets are not consumables or commodities," according to the media.

On the other hand, there are criticisms that our country's animal rights level is still far behind. Kim, a company employee in his 30s, said, "I hope the punishment for abuse is increased immediately," and raised his voice, saying, "It should be punished at the level of violent crimes."

Another office worker, Park (35), said, "There are many people who torment animals, and it is beyond words," expressing frustration, "People gather to watch animals suffer and cry out in pain. This can even lead to crimes against humans as well as animals."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As citizens complain, the punishment level for animal abuse is low compared to the cruelty of the crimes. According to the 'Status of Violations of the Animal Protection Act over the Last 11 Years' received from the police by a member of the National Assembly, the number of suspects related to animal abuse increased by 1200%, from 78 in 2010 to 1,014 in 2020. Also, the number of 112 reports related to animal abuse exceeded 300 per month this year, totaling 3,677 by August.

However, among 3,360 people sent to prosecution for violating the Animal Protection Act over 10 years, only 4 were detained. In 2019, although 973 people were sent to prosecution, none were detained. The operator of the so-called "Animal Version of the Nth Room," who shared videos and photos of cruel abuse of stray cats and other animals in group chat rooms, received only a summary order of a 3 million KRW fine in October. This is why public opinion is growing in favor of strengthening animal rights.

A dog is resting under a mat placed inside the glass enclosure of a pet shop. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Experts urge social interest in improving animal rights. They also emphasize the need for strong political attention to solving animal abuse issues.

Lee Won-bok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Union, said, "We have been urging the closure of 'puppy mills' for 10 years. What happens in puppy mills is truly horrific," criticizing, "Puppies are produced as if they are manufactured goods in puppy mills, which is extremely irresponsible." He added, "We must now break this vicious cycle. The campaign 'Don't Buy, Adopt' has greatly changed social awareness," and emphasized, "Presidential candidates are also showing much interest in animal rights. I hope our country eliminates many blind spots in animal rights based on the example of the French law."

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