In La Manche, an animal defense association is sounding the alarm. On Facebook and other online platforms, ads offering kittens “for good care” have been multiplying for several weeks. These ads are considered illegal by the association “40 en chats”. In a long message posted on their Facebook account on Tuesday, May 12, they express their frustration with a situation that has become unmanageable. They particularly point out the lack of respect for several legal obligations imposed when transferring an animal.
Legal obligations are often ignored
In France, giving away a cat or kitten is allowed, but several rules must be followed. The donor must have the animal identified with a microchip or tattoo before transfer. A veterinary certificate must also be provided to the future owner, along with a commitment and knowledge certificate signed at least seven days before adoption. However, the association claims to see “hundreds of kittens” being offered online without identification or the necessary documents.
These practices not only expose owners to penalties but also complicate the tracking of abandoned or lost animals. An individual also cannot sell online a kitten from their cat’s litter without being considered a breeder and subject to the resulting obligations.
Without sterilization, uncontrollable proliferation has become an issue
Beyond the internet ads, volunteers highlight in this Facebook post the direct consequences of the lack of sterilization in the area. According to them, many unwanted litters end up in the streets or are given away “to the first person” without control. Consequently, reports of colonies of stray cats are increasing in several communes of La Manche. Associations state they are being called upon daily for captures, care, or sterilization campaigns, even though their funds and hosting capacities are already saturated.
In their message, the association also accuses some local officials of not taking on their responsibilities. They claim that “85% of the communes in La Manche” lack a shelter for cats, but they do not provide detailed information on this estimation. The Rural Code states that mayors are required to take necessary measures against animal straying and have a shelter for stray cats and dogs.
