… is shaped by a number of large-scale organisations which run a network of animal shelters and sanctuaries in all the large towns in France. One example is the SPA, Société Protectrice des Animaux, the oldest French animal protection organisation, founded in 1845 and supported by Napoleon III, and with its head offices in Paris. Although there is no animal refuge in the city centre, due to the restrictions of space and money, there are several in the surrounding suburbs and conurbations. Only five kilometres from Paris, in the powerful economic area of Gennevilliers, the SPA has the oldest animal refuge in the whole of France. Newcomers are carefully examined in the reception section, similar to the outpatient area of a hospital, identified, vaccinated, and if the animal is a cat, it is neutered.
And the animals go to school! These lessons are aimed at both the animals and their new owners so that they can get used to each other properly. The adopting "parents" are instructed as to the responsibilities, duties and tasks that await them…
