By
Maxime Laffiac
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“Not a week goes by without an alarm. »In Vexin-sur-Epte (Eure), Fourges Cat School, which takes care of stray cats before sterilize and that identifyis on all fronts.
The association was established more than twenty years ago and is regularly called upon to help felines. “We have a lot of work every year, but the last few months have been particularly busy,” announces Véronique Allo, treasurer of the association.
And the arrival of summer hasn’t helped matters. On the contrary.
We are breaking records in 2024. Already it was not great in the previous years…
In fact, the numbers are alarming: the association has already completed no less than 74 sterilizations of stray cats that have been cared for since the beginning of 2024. A number that should exceed 2023, a total of 131 sterilizations.
Dropout: “low percentage”
The association emphasizes this forgivenesses constitute “a small percentage” of the number of recovered cats. “Registered abandonments often relate to the departure or death of an elderly person. In these cases, the family contacts us because they do not want to keep the animals, informs the association’s treasurer. Even worse, there are cases where relatives are less attentive to the love their parents had for their cat. They empty and sell the house, and leave the cat in the garden… And then the neighbors call us. »
If she does not question the abandonment “which is very real”, Véronique Allo believes that the real problem is non-sterilization. This results in the spread of stray animals.
Certain habits are rooted in the minds of certain people: that is, that a cat must live its life, that a cat is happiest after its first litter. Or we think it’s cute, the kids like it, and we tell ourselves that we won’t have any problems placing them through social networks.
Sterilization: “the only solution”
The association requires one general awareness and stricter monitoring of felines. “When a litter of kittens arrives, we distribute them here and there, without ensuring that they are sterilized. We can never say it enough: sterilization is the only solution! », insists Véronique Allo.
Especially since the trade associations are saturated. As proof: some people requesting support make “up to ten phone calls” before finding a buyer. Faced with these numerous rejections, they turned to smaller structures, such as Fourges.
The latter receives inquiries from all sides: Eure of course, but also Yvelines, Val-d’Oise… And even Seine-Maritime! “When people contact associations near them, they refuse because they cannot cope,” she laments.
45,000
In 2023, SPA shelters cared for almost 45,000 abandoned animals, including 28,652 cats. According to the 30 Million Friends Foundation, around 100,000 animals are abandoned in France.
“No pedagogy”
Another observation from the association:lack of communication from communities. Firstly: Vexin-sur-Epte municipality, despite an agreement made with the association a few years ago. “There is no awareness, no education. We must inform the population, tell them that there are solutions for stray cats. Elected officials have never communicated on the subject, and it is not for lack of having asked,” concludes Véronique Allo.
The message got through.
In connection with abandonment, the owner of an animal may risk a prison sentence of up to 2 years and payment of a fine of 30,000 euros.
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