News Archive - Page 10 of 145

Pig races in Vabres-l’Abbaye: a spectacle of suffering that must be stopped urgently

Pig races in Vabres-l’Abbaye: a spectacle of suffering that must be stopped urgently
10.07.2025
Aveyron
Pig races in Vabres-l’Abbaye: a spectacle of suffering that must be stopped urgently
Exploitation pour le spectacle

On Sunday 6 July, One Voice attended the 49th edition of the pig races in Vabres-l’Abbaye. While the images speak for themselves, the mayor of the commune is completely indifferent to the suffering of the piglets: “Every year, we receive letters from associations that are not even from here. And on social media, under the cover of anonymity, people allow themselves to say many things”. He says he is ’open to dialogue,’ yet he does not respond to the letters sent to him. Clearly, animal suffering is not a priority for the local authorities, who prefer to turn a blind eye to this cruel tradition rather than listen to calls to stop these practices.

Behind this supposedly “friendly” entertainment lie fear, clawing, screaming and panicked pigs. We demand an immediate end to this practice.

“Benevolent rules”? A cruel illusion

The presenter stresses that “pigs are sacred, precious… we take care of them… we don’t stick our fingers in their arses… we don’t eat their ears… we are gentle”. These details are as strange as they are disturbing. An implicit admission that reveals the latent violence behind this supposed benevolence.

This hypocritical set-up fools no one: these young animals are only ‘sacred’ during the race. But as soon as one of them crosses the finish line, it is brutally grabbed, often by the ears, lifted or dragged towards the lorry, clearly showing the promised respect to be a sham.

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A scene of panic under the guise of “fun”

From the very first seconds of the race, thrown into an unfamiliar course, their first instinct is to flee. When they manage to do so, they are quickly caught and forcibly returned to the track. The crowd laughs, without seeing —or without wanting to see— the fear in their eyes.

Throughout the race, the piglets hesitate, back away, and collide with obstacles. Some refuse to move forward, others are pushed, patted, even spanked to make them obey. When one of them finishes the race, it is not received gently. It is taken to the lorry and returned to the farm where it will be fattened up before being taken to the slaughterhouse. Screams, agitation. Where are the sows, the exploited mothers from whom they were separated very soon after birth? This is not a game: it is a scene of panic accompanied by laughter and applause from the audience. Behind the so-called ‘tradition’ lies nothing but stress and brutality. These animals, who do not understand what is being imposed on them, are being used as entertainment.

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A “game”? But at what cost?

The pigs struggle, injure themselves as they flee under the wire fence, and scream when they are handled. There is no respect for animals in this abuse disguised as entertainment.

The argument of tradition does not excuse the violence inflicted on sentient beings.

The races at Vabres-l’Abbaye are not a mere game, they are trauma camouflaged as folklore. One Voice calls for an immediate end to these races.

We call on the public to open their eyes, to refuse to participate in this spectacle of suffering, and to support our fight for the respect and protection of all animals.

Underground hunting: hundreds of badgers saved and new hearings to come

Underground hunting: hundreds of badgers saved and new hearings to come
09.07.2025
France
Underground hunting: hundreds of badgers saved and new hearings to come
Animaux sauvages

Allier, Eure, Rhône… In 2025, as in 2023 and 2024, we have embarked, together with ASPAS and AVES, and in some cases, the LPO, FNE and their local branches Perche-Nature and Eure-et-Loir Nature, on a real long-distance race to save as many badgers as possible from the diggers. Since 2019, One Voice has been leading the fight against this deadly practice. And as always, the courts have overwhelmingly ruled in our favour. Despite these repeated victories, the authorities and hunters continue to slaughter many animals at the bottom of their burrows. While we await the verdict on an emergency suspension in Charente-Maritime and Eure-et-Loir, and an interim hearing is scheduled for 17 July at the Administrative Court in Limoges for the region of Haute-Vienne, we are preparing a new series of requests!

From Allier to Eure via Rhône, the shovels will be staying in the shed this summer

Hunters are never short of ideas to keep themselves busy when the shooting season is over. At this time of year, while badgers, peaceful black- and white-furred housemates, are raising their newborn young, humans are preparing their giant tongs to go out and track them down for hours on end and take their lives. As every year, they find us and our partners standing in their way.

In the Allier and Eure regions, government officials had authorised the unearthing of badgers in the spring. Even though the authorities are constantly trying to put obstacles in our way to prevent us from acting, the judges have suspended the killings. In these two regions, young animals were going to be killed illegally.

The same thing happened in the Rhône region, where the Prefect did not even defend herself: the administrative judge has just put a stop to the hunting season, which had been open since 15 May 2025. A first for this region! In the Finistère region too, badgers were saved after a nullification a few days after the start of the season

Underground hunting, a hunting practice in decline… We are keeping up the pressure!

The number of French regions that allow this cruel pastime during breeding season has never been lower: 12 in 2025, compared to 72 in 2020. This is the result of long-term efforts, massive public support – 84% of French people are in favour of banning underground badger hunting –and an increasing number of court rulings. Sometimes –but far too rarely– prefects come to their senses: in the regions of Lot and Loir-et-Cher, they finally abandoned their plans after several successive defeats in court.

But the battle is not yet won. In the regions of Cantal and Puy-de-Dôme, the judge rejected our request based on an incomprehensible (lack of) justification, leaving the way open for hunters to indulge themselves shamelessly. In the region of Tarn-et-Garonne, the court considered that the killing of a few individuals did not justify an emergency ruling.

Therefore, throughout France, we continue to challenge, whenever we can, these unacceptable orders that sign the death warrant of hundreds of animals. In a few days, the courts will rule for Charente-Maritime (with AVES, ASPAS and LPO) and Eure-et-Loir (with AVES, ASPAS and Eure-et-Loir Nature), before a new hearing on 17 July at 2pm at the Administrative Court in Limoges for Haute-Vienne (with AVES and ASPAS).

As we prepare our appeals for many other regions, join us in demanding a permanent ban on underground badger hunting!

Alerting on inaction for biodiversity and animals: the French State under scrutiny

Alerting on inaction for biodiversity and animals: the French State under scrutiny
08.07.2025
France
Alerting on inaction for biodiversity and animals: the French State under scrutiny
Habitat naturel

On Monday 7 July 2025, the new report assessing the implementation of European Union environmental laws and policies at a global and national level was released. Known as the EIR (Environmental Implementation Review), this review is an important tool for determining whether the French State is a good pupil… It follows, among others, from the meeting on 2 July, during which we were received by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment. A rich exchange took place, lasting more than three and a half hours, on the challenges facing animals, nature and biodiversity, but above all on the alarming observation of what remains to be done at the political and legislative level.

A mixed picture for biodiversity, climate and animals

The newly published EIR shows once again the amount of work that needs to be done for nature. Looking at the highly representative graphs, France’s results appear no better than in 2022, showing some progress, alas undermined by some incomprehensible choices. Despite the national strategy for biodiversity up till 2030, the protection of nature remains a cause for particular concern.

When will we achieve zero pollution?

The Government must make efforts to reduce air pollution. It should also guarantee citizens access to clear and transparent information on the risks and the behaviours to adopt in the event of an accident involving industrial pollution, as well as its intensity.

The Seveso III Directive and the Water Directive aim to reduce the damage caused by a discharge of nutrients, chemicals and metals into rivers. On this point, and following the closure of all mink farms for fur, One Voice condemns plans to open and expand fish farms, as well as those concerning animal experimentation, which pollute rivers and seas…

Biodiversity and natural capital under threat

Three years ago, France was ordered to complete its Natura 2000 network in response to shortcomings identified regarding migratory birds and coastal marine areas. These protected sites accounted for 13% of the country’s territory in 2023, but much work remains to be done, particularly in the marine environment. Essential to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, priority actions focus on effective measures to restore habitats and species that are in a poor state of conservation. One Voice has contributed significantly to these issues through its campaigns (investigations, legal proceedings, field actions, advocacy, etc.) to defend these animals.

Agri-environmental practices are preferred in order to ensure compliance with European legislation. Today, only 9.87% of the land is used for organic farming… As a result, France is not contributing sufficiently to the target of 25% of EU agricultural land being covered by these crops by 2030. And this goal is unlikely to be achieved with the reintroduction of neonicotinoids which kill pollinators and, with them, biodiversity as a whole…

Worse still, forest fires are a major concern. While France has been planning since 2021 to plant a billion trees and renew 10% of its forest area by 2032, more than 780,600 hectares of forest went up in smoke in 2022 alone. Preserving these areas is essential to protecting wildlife and ecosystems, and it is becoming urgent to comply with European regulations on ‘zero deforestation’ products.

Climate action: putting a stop to heatwaves?

The French government is dragging its feet when it comes to preserving animals and biodiversity. Between 1990 and 2022, France’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell by 28%, making it one of the countries with the lowest reduction rates. Massive urbanisation for example, which accounts for 21% of emissions, needs to be reduced by 22%. More than ever, the failure to meet the 2030 targets is contributing to periods of heatwave. For many years, scientists have been warning the authorities about the risks of temperatures rising too quickly. Animals suffer the consequences even more than we do.

When the cost of inaction exceeds that of environmental action

Why is it that the preferred strategy is to turn a blind eye to the consequences of this inertia? The deficiencies observed can give rise to significant infringements that are detrimental to finances. The Directorate-General for the Environment estimates the cost of non-compliance with European Union law at €180 billion (1% of European GDP), while the cost of action is much lower: €120 billion. Real savings could be made right now, not in the distant future, and moreover for a nature that is so precious and essential to everyone. To this end, the European Commission highlights the possibility for Member States to use “nature credits” to reward positive actions in favour of nature through investments, particularly private investments.

Together with One Voice, challenge public decision-makers on their inaction, and urge them to take responsibility for implementing effective environmental policies. For animals, biodiversity, ecosystems and our health, the fight resonates even louder!

Despite the devastating fire, a hearing will be held in Narbonne on 9 and 10 July for bluefin tuna victims of illegal overfishing

Despite the devastating fire, a hearing will be held in Narbonne on 9 and 10 July for bluefin tuna victims of illegal overfishing
08.07.2025
Aude
Despite the devastating fire, a hearing will be held in Narbonne on 9 and 10 July for bluefin tuna victims of illegal overfishing
Wildlife

While bluefin tuna are fighting for survival in the Mediterranean Sea, the French Federation of Sea Fishing (FFPM) and the Narbonne Wholesale Fishing Association (ANPG) have come up with nothing better than to devise a fraudulent system to allow illegal overfishing of these animals. Between 2017 and 2020, many of them ended up on the stalls of the tuna markets held every year in Narbonne. On 9 and 10 July, we are defending them in the judicial court of the sub-prefecture of the Aude region.

A fragile marine biodiversity…

Long in danger of extinction, bluefin tuna are still classified as near threatened by the National Inventory of Natural Heritage (INPN), even though they are acknowledged as one of the pillars of biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. To remedy this situation, recreational fishing for these animals is regulated by annual ministerial orders defining the fishing seasons and maximum catch quotas.

… which the fishermen ignore

But in Narbonne, the authorisations already granted were clearly not enough for some fishermen eager to wrest ever more animals from their environment. This was the finding of the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) when it discovered the tuna fishing events held annually in the city. Where did all these fish come from? There was room for doubt, and the OFB’s investigation ultimately revealed that between 2017 and 2020, many of the fish sold at these events had been the object of a system of downright organised fraud set up by the French Sea Fishing Federation and the Narbonne Big Game Fishing Association. For years, the two organisations encouraged recreational fishermen to break the rules using well-oiled methods. To carry out these raids unnoticed, all they had to do was falsify their declarations, starting with using the same tag for several tuna instead of just one. To top it all off, they took advantage of the annual tuna festivals to illegally sell their unfortunate catches…

A deadly pastime

For the accused, even the slightest concern for the suffering of the fish seems to be too much. When they are not forcibly removed from their habitats to entertain Sunday fishermen, they may also be subjected to experiments in which the use of electric fishing is not ruled out. And these cruel practices do not stop there, as many birds also suffer under them.

For the tuna illegally killed in Narbonne, to speak out on behalf of all fish victims of similar acts, and to protect the sea, we will be appearing in court in a civil suit on 9 and 10 July 2025.

Heatwave and animal suffering at Jardiland in Perpignan: this must stop

Heatwave and animal suffering at Jardiland in Perpignan: this must stop
08.07.2025
Heatwave and animal suffering at Jardiland in Perpignan: this must stop
Domestic animals

As the heatwave hit the country hard with temperatures reaching or exceeding 40°C in the shade in some regions, alarming reports reached us about the Jardiland store in Perpignan. A whistleblower, shocked by what he saw, documented how animals were being kept in completely unsuitable, even cruel conditions. We are calling on the group to take immediate action to relieve the affected individuals, to stop new arrivals and sales during summer, and to put a definitive end to the trade in sentient beings.

Everybody exposed to extreme heat, without protection or consideration for their needs

Outdoors in the blazing sun, placed on scorching concrete, chickens and other birds pant under metal sheets that turn the place into an oven. Thermometers show temperatures of up to 45°C in this first week of July.

As for those kept indoors, they are no better off, as the lack of air conditioning makes the air suffocating —a major health hazard. In the tanks, goldfish —a species that lives in cold water— are trying to survive in water exceeding 30°C.

Employees also work in this atmosphere… but they are lucky enough to be able to go home in the evening and to pass through cooler areas during the day, or when they have lunch…

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Mistreatment already reported in several shops

This is not an isolated case. In the spring of 2024, we already denounced the unbearable living conditions of chicks crammed into a terrarium at the Jardiland in Bonneuil-sur-Marne, trampling each other and dying in front of customers. In April 2025, it was the establishment in Metz that left fish to die in aquariums that had turned filthy due to neglect.

Each time, the same logic is at work: selling living beings as if they were mere objects, their basic needs thrown to the wind.

Living beings, not products

The trade in animals must stop. These practices are no longer acceptable in a society that claims to care about their welfare. The conditions in which they are bred, transported, “displayed” and now kept during the heatwave show the extent of the suffering inflicted on sentient beings for purely commercial reasons.

Jardiland must urgently take responsibility by:

Immediately implementing measures to relieve the animals currently on sale in Perpignan;
Stopping new arrivals in Jardiland stores starting this summer;
Permanently stopping the sale of sentient living beings in all of the chain’s establishments.

Take action now!

Write to Jardiland’s head office to demand an immediate halt to the sale of animals and a genuine consideration for their welfare:

by post: a template is available here;
or by email via: the form on the Jardiland website

A simple message can make a difference. Make your voice heard for those who cannot speak for themselves. Because a bird gasping for breath, a fish slowly “cooking” or a hen burning under a tin roof are not “seasonal products”. They are living beings. And they deserve better. Our species would be better for it, just for once…

Emmanuel Macron, the wolves’ gravedigger: another retrograde stance in Roquefort!

Emmanuel Macron, the wolves’ gravedigger: another retrograde stance in Roquefort!
04.07.2025
Emmanuel Macron, the wolves’ gravedigger: another retrograde stance in Roquefort!
Wildlife

Emmanuel Macron’s latest major project for animals? To “prevent the establishment of wolves where there is pastoralism”, even if it means “removing more wolves”. In order to promote, instead, the establishment of destructive agriculture, fuelled by pesticides, each more toxic than the last. We intend to call to mind a few truths about wolves, who do far more for the balance of our ecosystems than our public authorities and those who claim to “love” nature.

What a disgrace! President Macron’s second five-year term is a war on biodiversity to the bitter end, even in the wake of an unprecedented heatwave. Throughout his terms of office, he has behaved like the gravedigger of wolves and all wild animals, pandering to the livestock and hunting lobbies. His trip to Roquefort and his speech there on Thursday, July 3, 2025 are only the most recent expressions of this.

Death as the only solution… Spoiler: it’s not even effective!

The prefect coordinating the National Action Plan on wolves has already expressed her concern that an “unprecedented number” of wolves have already been killed in France at this time of year. The Head of State, on the other hand, chose to add fuel to the fire.

“We mustn’t wait until it [wolves, editor’s note] has settled in, until you’ve made all the investments, before we can harvest”. Using a filthy technocratic vocabulary (“to harvest”, he says…), Emmanuel Macron assumes the role of leading proponent of the eradication of wild animals, wolves in the first place. With these words, he is admitting his own failure: making farmers believe that culling is the only solution, not cohabitation. Killing has been made easier for several months now, with ministerial decrees each more hypocritical than the last.

A stupid and wicked policy

Systematic shooting does nothing to resolve the anger of breeders! Scientists are unanimous: in Spain and Michigan (USA), they found that shooting led to an increase in predation in subsequent years and in the surrounding area. In France, this ineffective and deadly policy has been practiced for years…

Wolves are our allies, like all living creatures

Political power’s disconnect from reality is reaching new heights. Emmanuel Macron is a bad pupil and a good demagogue: he claims that the wolves have been reintroduced, an appalling lie from a president. He would do better to listen to the eight out of ten French people (Ipsos/One Voice poll, November 2024) who believe that wolves have their rightful place in the wild. Though their detractors may not like it.

Tracking down every newcomer in the departments, like Camille in the Saône-et-Loire region and Milo and Mina in the Corrèze region, will solve nothing.

State rhetoric is largely inspired by the nauseating rhetoric of lobbies. Hunters in the Alpes-Maritimes region claim that wolves threaten wildlife. You can’t make this up, coming from those who slaughter wild animals at every turn. Are they afraid that wolves are much better than they are at their so-called mission of “regulation”?

The facts are there: in the Netherlands, it has been shown that wolves prefer wild ungulates such as roe deer and wild boars. Around Mont Ventoux, they have helped to regenerate forests. In Poland, they are a welcome sight, “regulating” deer and wild boars in the fields.

Fires and soil erosion, the consequences of unbridled pastoralism

The main culprits in the degradation of nature are intensive activities, of which unbridled pastoralism is one. The lobbyists have certainly done their homework! Emmanuel Macron seems to ignore the basics: the source of imbalances in ecosystems never comes from nature itself! When nature reclaims its rights and regains its health, it should be welcomed as a blessing.

Join us in refusing to let wolves become the expiatory victims of a deadly outdated system that is driving us into the wall at breakneck speed. Sign to put an end to their persecution!

An environmental disaster in Pas-de-Calais: Local Ocean, the grim project behind a salmon factory farm

An environmental disaster in Pas-de-Calais: Local Ocean, the grim project behind a salmon factory farm
03.07.2025
Pas-de-Calais
An environmental disaster in Pas-de-Calais: Local Ocean, the grim project behind a salmon factory farm
Wildlife

Fish farms have become common in Europe and around the world, causing major ecological damage. Today, the company Local Ocean wants to set up in Le Portel in France. Its goal? To produce in large quantities to meet French demand and, even more, to stimulate it. With this race for profit will come devastating pollution, while the welfare of the salmon is annihilated in one fell swoop… One Voice is committed to protecting these animals who are largely forgotten by everyone, and is joining forces with its partner associations to stop this senseless project.

The closed-loop model: the greenwashing of fish farms

Two million salmon per year: when Local Ocean boasts about opening a large-scale fish farm –no less than 12.6 hectares are needed for its construction– based on the model of seawater recycling, it’s close to forgetting about the rest. Closed-loop fish farming, or recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), is not good for the environment, far from it, and denotes a system that is far from being under control. Pollution of water, soil and air, destruction of habitats and wetlands, disruption of marine parks, disturbance of local birds and seals… The large amounts of animal waste discharged into the sea – an estimated 260 tonnes of nitrogen and 87 tonnes of phosphorus per year – are just the tip of the iceberg.

The Prefect of the Pas-de-Calais region is literally turning a blind eye to the many risks to nature. Whether in Chile or Canada, the problems are well known. In Norway, thousands of aquatic animals recently escaped from their farms, putting wild salmon, whose population is already in decline, at risk of extinction. Between crossbreeding and the spreading of disease, this means disaster for them. Worse still, the food in these factory farms is based on animal meal, requiring increased overfishing. This is how the company “ducks” the question!

Unimaginable suffering for millions of salmon crammed together

Local Ocean is planning additional cruelty, similar to what already exists in extensive farms, such as those intended for hunting, but this time… in the water! According to numerous studies, for instance involving Scottish farms, the salmon are deprived of minimal space, and their living conditions will be deplorable: injuries to their fins or tails, constant artificial light, stress and anxiety… Such overcrowding systematically requires preventive treatment with antibiotics at will, and, of course, a simple failure of the system would lead to mass mortality among these salmon.

To combat this large-scale aquaculture, One Voice is part of the request lodged by France Nature Environnement Hauts-de-France, GDEAM-62, L214 and Nord Nature Environnement before the Administrative Court in Lille.

In the meantime, read our leaflet for more information on the subject and sign the petition against these fish factory farms!

Killing traps, stop the slaughter

Killing traps, stop the slaughter
02.07.2025
France
Killing traps, stop the slaughter
Wildlife

They blindly kill and maim thousands of wild and domestic animals every year in a deafening silence. Instruments of torture that undermine our natural spaces, traps are one of the most cowardly and cruel practices in existence.

Buoyed by our recent victory for ESODs (species likely to cause damage), who are their primary victims, we are taking action with the Minister in charge of hunting to demand an end to the certification of 13 trap models. If our request is refused, we will take the matter to the State Council.

Hours of anguish and suffering

Scattered throughout the undergrowth and countryside, traps have only one purpose: to slaughter as many animals as possible whose only crime is to be arbitrarily considered “undesirable”. There are cages into which animals are lured before the gates slam shut and a man comes to kill them off with a rifle, a knife… or a club.

There are snares, which constrict the limbs of those who get caught in them, or suffocate their victims for hours. And, of course, there are devices equipped with jaws, whose sole purpose is to break the neck or crush the spine.

Designed to kill small mammals, particularly those classified as ESOD, such as weasels and martens, these death traps are not selective, and they kill many other wild animals, such as fawns and even wolves. Our domestic companions are not spared either. Examples include the dog Red Collar who lost a leg, and Cooky who lost his life after hours of agony. The cat Tigrou also died, guilty only of having gone for a walk.

For an effective ban on jaw traps!

The ultra-violent nature of these devices is well established. However, twenty years after the European Union banned jaw traps, the authorities in our country continue to approve them by the bucketful, along with paddle traps, kill traps and egg traps*.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals fall victim to them. This silent slaughter must stop. In 2019, after a strong mobilisation in which we took part, drowning traps were banned. On 13 May this year, we achieved a historic victory against the very idea of the ESOD classification: from now on, the capture of martens is banned throughout France, as well as that of many species in dozens of regions. Now is the time to build on this success.

One Voice is asking the Minister in charge of hunting to withdraw the approval of 13 jaw traps. If we receive no response or a negative response, we will refer the matter to the State Council in order to challenge the refusal. In the meantime, see our leaflet and sign to demand a ban on all these deadly devices!

* Traps consisting of a pallet or jaws with a bait system, sometimes imitating that of an egg. The system is triggered and the trap closes on the animal which then endures excruciating suffering.

Animal experimentation: the European Commission draws up its roadmap

Animal experimentation: the European Commission draws up its roadmap
02.07.2025
Union européenne
Animal experimentation: the European Commission draws up its roadmap
Animal testing

Committed to building a Europe without animal testing, and represented on this occasion by ECEAE and Cruelty Free Europe, One Voice took part last June in the 3rd and final workshop organized by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki. The aim: to draw up a roadmap for ending animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetics, cleaning products and medicines, all of which come under the same regulations.

This roadmap is in response to the European Citizens’ Initiative “Save cruelty – free cosmetics – Commit to a Europe without animal testing”, launched in 2021 in 22 countries. Spearheaded in France by One Voice, which was also a member of the organizing committee, it collected 1.2 million signatures in just one year.

This is a crucial step. On June 16 and 17, animal rights activists were once again present, as well as industry, academia and the authorities representatives for the third and final workshop organized by the European Chemicals Agency. Around the table, 550 people were united by a common objective: to put an end to animal experiments in chemical safety assessment, while ensuring a high level of protection.

Following the speeches, the European Commission outlined a roadmap for rapidly reducing the use of animals.

In particular, it plans to:

eliminate redundant tests on two species, generally rodents, then dogs, primates or pigs;
actively promote alternative methods such as artificial intelligence or modeling;
scientifically justify the number of animals used.

This action plan will require the prior creation of operational tools such as:

a structure to coordinate its implementation;
the identification of experiments that could be replaced in the short, medium and long term.

In the longer term, alternative methods will need to be developed, standardized and harmonized across the European Union.

Let’s not forget that millions of animals still suffer every year in laboratories throughout the European Union. Nearly 8.5 million uses recorded in 2022… To change course, the action of associations and citizens is essential. As part of these two coalitions, we’re in the best position to act as advocates on behalf of animal victims of experimentation. Together, let’s keep getting things moving!

Heatwave: an additional ordeal for animals

Heatwave: an additional ordeal for animals
01.07.2025
France
Heatwave: an additional ordeal for animals
Natural habitat

Though we are forced to cancel our activities for this Wednesday due to the heatwave, our thoughts are with all the animals suffering from this extreme heat and constantly exposed to the risks it entails: wildfires, drought, water shortages, etc. We continue to fight so that, whether captive or free, they can live with dignity, without falling victims to the temperature rises caused by humans.

The appalling living conditions of captive animals are exacerbated during hot weather

While they endure harsh living conditions all year round, animals held captive in circuses suffer even more when temperatures reach their peak: water becomes scarce, and they suffocate on the tarmac of car parks or in metal trucks. We have alerted public opinion to the plight of a donkey without water or shade in a circus.

The absurdity of captivity reached its peak when Marineland subjected the bear Rasputin to the extreme temperatures of the French Riviera. Cruel confinement knows no bounds when it comes to “entertainment”, regardless of the suffering it causes. The intense heat also has a violent impact on the orcas Wikie and Keijo, so far from the Icelandic waters where their parents were captured. The water in their pools would have to be cooled to a maximum of 15°C, which is not the case even under normal circumstances.

In breeding facilities for animals destined for experimentation, such as those for dogs in Gannat or Mézilles, or for primates in Rousset, hundreds of animals are confined in cages or aviaries, often without sufficient thermal insulation. Deprived of a natural environment, they endure the heatwave with no possibility of cooling down or finding effective shelter. It’s an extra punishment on top of the experiments…

For individuals left to fend for themselves, such as stray cats, this furnace only exacerbates their already dire situation.

Transport to slaughterhouses is unbearable, but it becomes downright suffocating in extreme heat. Circus animals are also transported from city to city in overheated cage trucks.

Primates used for experimentation are imported from Mauritius or Asia for twenty hours or more, in tiny cages, without access to food or water.

Free-roaming animals, the first witnesses to climate change

Wild animals are the first victims of climate change. They see their territories go up in smoke and have to face fires they cannot escape. Those who avoid being trapped in the fires struggle to find food and water. There is an urgent need to preserve their habitats: the 6th mass extinction is underway. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights describes the climate crisis as a “human rights crisis”. But what about all the animals and ecosystems that are suffering as a result of our species’ actions and now our almost universal inaction?

The last few days have been unspeakably violent for animals, with temperatures well above seasonal norms. The care centres that come to their aid are overwhelmed.

For their survival, it is time to rethink our practices towards nature. They are bearing the brunt of the consequences of climate change, while hunters and excessive urbanisation are dealing them the fatal blow.

Yet eight out of ten French people agree with the principle of banning hunting in regions that have suffered from drought (Ipsos/One Voice survey, October 2023).

We call on the authorities to take responsibility rather than giving in to the destructive desires of the lobbies of intensive agriculture and hunting. It is our duty to protect the world in which we live, and the multitude of flora and fauna that inhabit it. These extreme weather events remind us that we are dependent on the very nature that humanity is destroying. For nature and all those who inhabit it, we will continue to fight!