Jackie.C Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 I live in Mayenne (53) and have been trying for several months to get our local Mayor to take appropriate action in relation to cases of serious neglect of animals by a former village inhabitant. All attempts to involve outside agencies has been fruitless, as they all state that it is for the Mayor to take action. The person in question moved to Mayenne before Christmas 2013 and returned infrequently to feed/water his chickens, ducks, geese, pygmy goats etc. and I ultimately managed to persuade him to sell the animals to me. I subsequently discovered that between Easter 2013 and Christmas 2013, at least 20 chickens and a pygmy mother goat and her kid were found dead in the garden of this person and that he had been known to lock all the animals in a garage without food and water for days/weeks on end. Having "adopted" 3 pygmy goats, 2 geese, 3 ducks and 9 chickens, I felt that I was at least giving these animals a chance of a better life. The person refused to include numerous other animals, however, stating that he had "found homes" for them. This turned out not to be true and numerous of them subsequently died. This person, around 2 weeks later obtained over 20 chickens and a number of ducks and ducklings. When I remonstrated with him for this, he began to lock the gate into his property which meant I could not get access to give the birds water, and was forced to throw food over the gate & wall. While the chickens were "free range", the ducks & ducklings were locked in cages. He did not return to the property for some 10 days by which time, all the ducks & ducklings were dead, as were 12 or so caged collared doves. I and another neighbour rescued several chickens from feral cats and took them home to tend their injuries. I took photographs of the scene and attended at the Mayor's office to demand that something be done. A letter was eventually written to the person in question and he shovelled the duck & duckling corpses, with their filthy "bedding" into clear plastic bags, which he left, intied, in his garden. At this time, rats were being seen in the daytime in his garden. The smell was horrendous. The bags containing the bodies were heaving with maggots. The chickens which had survived disappeared, however I subsequently discovered he had locked them in a dark, airless and windowless cellar without food or water. I visited the local Church where this person attends and asked the Priest to intervene. I assume something was said as the imprisoned chickens then appeared inside the property itself however within a day or so, the bodies of dead chickens were visible through the windows. I have told the Mayor that I have trespassed on the property - using a ladder to scale the 6ft wall - in order to give food and water to the caged animals. I have been warned about the illegality of my behaviour however the Mayor himself had scaled the wall on one occasion (after the discovery of the dead ducks) so that rather shot his warning down in flames.I have emailed a Mayenne newspaper details of this story together with photographs. I have also emailed two authorities - one relating to veterinarian matters and one a health department, and also the Police.Surely what is happening to these animals is against the law? A French neighbour is also involved in the reporting of this matter so my poor French cannot be the cause of lack of action.Several animals which I "rescued" subsequently died despite receiving treatment from vets. Three are permanently "disabled" due to rough handling or malnutrition.Can anyone, please, suggest what additional action I can take? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroTrash Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Probably a daft question but have you contacted SPA, or do they only deal with cats and dogs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YCCMB Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Here's a link to a useful document which gives you a list of suggested steps to take, agencies to contact etc.[url]http://www.justice.gouv.fr/art_pix/fp_pmaf20110811.pdf[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Try the Bridget Bardot Foundation. I you have pictures and such send copies. From what I have been told they take this very seriously. Good Luck... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nectarine Posted September 29, 2014 Share Posted September 29, 2014 Jackie, what an awful story!!! I can't offer any advice except what you've been given by the other posters is good. And well done to you ... really, it's so good to know there are responsible caring people out there who are prepared to get involved like you are and not turn a blind eye. This guy sounds like a monster and should be prosecuted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitway Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 Try this association get your friend to contact them if your french is a bit weak, I have heard they will actively prosecute people mistreating animal http://www.associationstephanelamart.com/Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jouals Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Was there any further news about this appalling situation?There has been a change in the law in January...http://www.30millionsdamis.fr/actualites/article/8451-statut-juridique-les-animaux-reconnus-definitivement-comme-des-etres-sensibles-dans-le-code/30 Millions d'Amis also advise on how to proceed in a case of maltraitance...http://www.30millionsdamis.fr/actualites/article/7236-temoin-de-maltraitance-animale-que-faire/BB Fondation...http://www.fondationbrigittebardot.fr/agir/nous-alerterhttp://www.fondationbrigittebardot.fr/agir/nous-alerter/animaux-de-fermeJouals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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