Between 2019 and 2022, thousands of puppies from Hungary and Slovakia were allegedly illegally imported into French territory.
In May 2021, after a preliminary investigation lasting several months, a major sting operation was simultaneously conducted in five pet stores in Nice and one establishment in Paris.
Over 90 puppies of different breeds were examined and then seized. Authorities’ suspicions appear to be confirmed.
Veterinarians appointed noted inconsistencies between the ages indicated on the documents and the estimated ages of the animals.
Some puppies had not even reached the legal age of two months. Additionally, blood tests revealed shortcomings in vaccination protocols, especially against rabies, raising concerns about public health.
No animal abuse
Public prosecutors represented by Étienne Moreau emphasized that the case primarily concerns a commercial matter. It is not about animal abuse, he insisted. Only one pet shop owner was prosecuted for mistreatment but will be judged later due to their health condition.
The practices under scrutiny – non-compliant imports, deception, use of fake documents, and illegal veterinary practices – are seen as purely mercantile. Hungarian breeders disposed of puppies quickly, middlemen paid lower prices for them, and pet stores could profit from a higher margin.
The prosecution requested sentences ranging from 6 to 24 months suspended and fines of €20,000 to €50,000 for the 8 defendants, some with suspended sentences, while the confiscation of assets (cash and property) was also requested.
The verdict will be issued by the criminal court presided over by Marion Menot on Tuesday, May 5th at 1:30 pm.
The Covid-19 effect
The only Hungarian trader responding to the allegations admitted to introducing only a few unvaccinated puppies over a short period, especially during the high demand due to Covid-19.
Were pet store owners, once clients now co-defendants, aware of these irregularities when receiving a dozen or so puppies every two weeks from him? One pet store owner with decades of experience denied expertise on the matter.
Like other pet store managers, she claimed to rely on systematic veterinary checks upon the arrival of puppies.
Corrupt and negligent professionals? While no pet store owner was on trial, three French veterinarians were judged and convicted during a prior guilty plea hearing (CRPC).
The trader’s counsel regretted that the investigation did not extend beyond national borders.
The defense strikes back
During the trial, constant objections were raised. Defense lawyers questioned the sole veterinary report in the case. Assessing age based on teeth examination was argued to be inconclusive. The defense accused bias in the case.
“This procedure is a scandal, pure animalistic ideology,” stated one lawyer. Another spoke of “extraordinary partiality” in handling the case. Their client felt that the profession was targeted.
Of all the establishments implicated, only one remains active and exclusively works with French breeders. However, business has declined, partly due to the 2024 law prohibiting animals from being displayed in storefronts. Sales now predominantly occur online, following the click-and-collect principle.
