New rules on cat and dog sales

NEW restrictions on the sale of cats and dogs will come into force in France next year, in a bid to stop animal trafficking through newspaper small ads and online classifieds sites.

From January 1, anyone placing an advertisement to sell puppies or kittens will be required to register as a breeder with their local Chambre d'Agriculture and supply a Siren business identification number.

The restrictions do not apply to resale of an animal you purchased, or giving animals away for free. Selling an animal without having completed the necessary formalities could attract a €7,500 fine.

Pet charity Fondation 30 Millions d'Amis says the measure will allow for better tracking of where animals have come from.

According to animal welfare group SPA, animal trafficking is a real problem in France. For example, chihuahua bought for €250 in Slovakia can fetch up to €3,000 here.

The agriculture ministry estimates that 50,000 individuals sell their pets via a classified ad each year.