Letters: Age should not be an obstacle for adopting a pet dog in France 

To the Editor,

I totally agree with the president of the Société protectrice des animaux (SPA), Jacques-Charles Fombonne, that animal welfare should become a political issue in France.

I was a volunteer at the SPA in Flayosc (Var) for around nine years – admittedly for cats, but I cannot tell you how badly the dogs were treated by appalling owners who just dumped them by tying them to the gates, or left them at home while they went on holiday. 

It should become law that they be fined and banned from having any animal in future (if, of course, they can be found!)

I would also like to mention an additional issue for the dogs in France: I am in my 70s, as are many of my friends, and we are very upset and angry at the decision that anyone over 70 is apparently no longer allowed to adopt anything, in case we might die! 

Anyone of any age can die, and we older people are caring people who are happy to adopt an old ugly dog and love it, feed it and walk it.

Young people generally want young animals. 

We would never just leave a dog at home while we went on holiday, and the argument about what happens to the dog if we do not have anyone to take it should we die, is exactly the same as for younger people who might just move, or die. 

This is partly why the SPA is there.

Can I please ask on behalf of older people that we be allowed to adopt a dog or cat to offer a home to an animal who might otherwise live its life in a cage.

Hazel Crawford, Var

Editor’s note:

We asked Jacques-Charles Fombonne about SPA’s policy on seniors adopting dogs. He said: “There is no definitive rule to stop them, but it does happen when people ask to take on very young dogs. We try to make people understand that taking on a dog they may not be able to look after in 10 years’ time means that either the dog will be stuck indoors and not go for walks, or sent back to an animal shelter. It’s a question of animal protection. One of the questions we ask prospective adopters is: ‘Who will take care of the dog if you are incapacitated?’ If you are 70-plus but live with your children who themselves have youngsters, we will give you the dog.If you are alone and already have problems walking, do you think it is a safe and wise idea?”

Have you adopted a dog in France or would you like to do so? Should age be a consideration? Let us know what you think at letters@connexionfrance.com