Animals

Can I make a complaint about my neighbour’s poultry farm in France?

It is legal to raise some poultry in your backyard with minimal regulations

French honey production almost double that of last year

South-east saw lower yields after being affected by summer heatwaves despite good news elsewhere

Dog owner finds innovative technique in France to help traumatised rescue dog

How the Trust Technique helped one Connexion reader bond with her pet

news

New anti-mosquito operation in Dordogne: What residents must do

Close to 100 cases of chikungunya have been recorded in department

French homes overrun by ladybird invasion

Invasive Asian ladybird has been spotted in both France and UK amid food source boom

Walker viciously attacked by sheep guard dogs on hiking path in south-east France

Four dogs attacked for an hour. Emergency rescuers also felt in danger

Why you may still have mosquitoes in your French home… in autumn and winter

Record number of native cases of the mosquito-borne disease Chikungunya were recorded in France this year

Investigation launches after man dies from rabies in south of France

The man died after being admitted with classic rabies symptoms, despite the virus having been ‘eradicated’ in France since 2001

High in the Pyrenees: discovering the rare capercaillie

On the trail of an elusive bird in the high mountains of Andorra

Why you should expect to see more spiders in your French home in September

France is home to more than 1,700 spider species

Video: raccoon spotted in French Pyrenees

Local animal experts say this is ‘not good news’ and ask the public to report any further sightings

Do you need a permit to own a tortoise in France?

Boom in tortoise trade in 1970s and 1980s led to strict regulations

Couple fined for keeping panther at their home in northern France

The animal, named Louise, was spotted prowling rooftops near Lille

French animal shelters struggle as number of pets brought in remains high

Animals taken to shelters this summer due to abuse over double that of last year

Do airlines flying to France allow pets in the cabin?

Several airlines have specific rules

Photos: rare otters captured in south of France using nocturnal camera

Recolonisation and protection efforts are paying off in several regions around the country

Invasive Japanese beetles detected in eastern France

Residents are being asked to report beetles

Tick season lasting longer in France: where are they most common and how to prevent them?

Parents are being warned in particular to check their children for ticks as animals spread throughout France

What dangerous snakes are in France and what to do if you spot one

Anyone killing a snake risks a fine and potentially a prison sentence

Wasps, mosquitoes, hornets, ants: how to deal with summer insects in France

Natural repellents can keep some pests away

What to do if stung by a jellyfish at a beach in France

Swimmers may spot the aquatic animal close to the shoreline

Are dogs allowed on public transport in France or are they banned?

Rules differ depending on the type of transport used

Neighbour who complained about noisy cockerel in France ordered to pay €3,500

The complainant said the animal, which has since died, crowed too loudly and too often

Three people left in critical condition after bee swarm attacks Aurillac town centre

Attack took place over several minutes

Jogger attacked by shepherd’s dogs on solo run in Nice backcountry

A recent legal change impacts the status of guard dog owners following an attack

Fancy fowl and posing peacocks: observe the flamboyance of female birds in France

Jonathan Kemp explores the captivating courtship displays of birds, and explains how you can too

Hiker airlifted to hospital after being attacked by cow in Pyrénées

Man was gored by cow’s horn and taken to hospital in Spain

Canicross: France's fastest-growing sport

Running with dogs in a team is transforming fitness and social lives across France

Did you know? France used to put animals in the dock

Pigs represented 90% of the convicted animals

Lynx in France are under threat from poaching and road collisions

Animal protection centres are encouraging the public to report poaching in a strive to boost conservation efforts

Dog owners warned to look out for this plant in France to avoid pet injuries

Action can be taken to help avoid these tiny spears which can be fatal to animals in spring and summer

Comment: Bullfighting is ancient French art and will continue

Southern France’s bullfighting tradition is stronger than ever, according to the association that defends the practice

Photos: The secret wildlife hidden in French cities

Photographer Nicolas de Vaulx reveals the surprising urban habitats of France's diverse animal life

What to do if you cross these animals when out walking in France

From hornets to vipers, keep an eye out for these potentially dangerous species

Photo: Rare blue frog photographed in Dordogne

French wildlife photographer captures the elusive amphibian after a 20-year search.

When and where are dogs banned at beaches in France?

Communes are able to set own rules – those who do not comply face fines

Killing wolves in France is ‘counterproductive’ amid livestock attacks, say experts

Wolf sightings are on the rise but the killing of these animals remains a divisive issue

Walk with sheep, cows and horses as France’s summer transhumance season begins

Festivals and treks are being hosted across rural and mountain regions in the coming weeks

Neighbour takes couple to court over cockerel noise disturbance

The case is the latest in a long line of objections over cockerels, and reignites the rural-urban debate

Most-stolen dog breeds in France – and how to protect your pet

Thieves target dogs seen as cute, high-status, or with the potential to be aggressive

Is the UK seeking easier EU travel for pets?

After Brexit the UK left the European pet passport scheme making trips more complex and costly

Why 10 million tiger mosquitoes are being deliberately released in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The potentially dangerous insects are now in every region of the country

Wild boar increasingly present in French communes: What to do if you see one

There has been a sharp rise in the number of boar in recent years

French town brings in €135 fine for dog owners who leave their pet’s mess on pavement

Uncleaned mess is highlighted with fluorescent orange paint

Is compensation possible if a neighbour’s pet damages garden at French second home?

Disorderly pets can wreak havoc on gardens

How to help hedgehogs in your garden in France

Follow these tips to create a healthy ecosystem for this protected species

What are the rules on installing a cat flap or doggy door at my French home?

Local heritage rules must be respected

Photos: 22 bear cubs reported to have been born in Pyrenees in 2024

The current population is at a record, but the animals’ presence in the region is still hotly discussed

Golden jackal spotted in south-west France for the first time

There have only been a handful of sightings of golden jackals since the first in eastern France in 2017

Rules change for dog walking in France from April

Here is how to ensure you and your dog remain within the rules and avoid fines

Only a few days left to trim garden hedges in France or risk a fine

Some areas ban the practice, with the recommended no-trim period lasting until August

Bird of prey attacks jogger in France

Buzzard attacked runner on the head. The birds can be territorial during nesting season

France reports 250,000 dog bites a year: What to do and who is responsible

Any breed of dog can bite, and there are certain rules and restrictions on certain breeds, and what to do in the event of an attack

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

The bugs arrived from Asia and are considered an invasive species

Errors to avoid and how to help wildlife as you get your garden in France ready for spring

Gardening with care can make a big difference at this time of year

Dordogne resident claims to catch 1,300 Asian hornets in a day using this technique

Homemade concoction of alcohol and syrup attracts and traps hornets but repels bees keeping pollinators safe

Photo: new road hazard for drivers in Brittany… a wallaby

The mysterious animal has been seen several times since December

Are French vet costs regulated by the government?

There are several ways you may be able to reduce annual fees

Alert after several dogs found to have been poisoned in south-west France

Cases are widespread in and around Bordeaux and reports are increasing

8 out of 10 people in France want hunting banned at weekend

A similar percentage is in favour of banning hunting during school holidays as well

Mystery of white flags placed in dog mess on streets in Dordogne

Anonymous flag-planter plans to keep up with action as guilty owners go back to clean up

French city first to sign European animal protection decree: what does it say?

The declaration is intended to help European judges and MPs to ‘build reasoning’ when considering future animal welfare cases

What are France’s top 10 favourite dog breeds? Two lists disagree

The Australian Shepherd tops both rankings…but what about the rest?

VIDEO: First otter for nearly a century captured on Normandy camera

The sighting astounded researchers as ecological management encourages a resurgence of otter numbers in several French regions

Help scientists this weekend by counting birds in your French garden

France’s largest scientific programme relaunches for the avian wintering season

Reprieve for wild boar woman found and looks after at French home

The woman now cares for the animal like a pet after it appeared to seek refuge on her property

Horse ID cards adapted to track wolves in western France

A vet was able to prove that four different male wolves were living in Brittany by using the system

Close encounters with a French serpent and what to do if it happens to you

Columnist Jonathan Kemp gives advice for anyone coming across a snake in their garden

What is the process for obtaining a French pet passport for animal from UK?

Pets moving to France must be registered on pet database within one week of arrival

Major recall of dry pet food across France over salmonella risk

Several supermarkets including E.Leclerc and Intermarché have recalled products

Interview: 'It’s time animal welfare became a political issue in France'

SPA president Jacques-Charles Fombonne talks about abandoned dogs, the economic realities of keeping a pet and why he is on a mission to influence policy-makers

Bees protected from Asian hornet attacks by award-winning French device

Frédérique Ripet has won a top business award for creating a device that protects hives from deadly attacks

South of France sea life park to close: what will happen to animals?

Ban on live whale and dolphin shows was ‘fatal blow’ for park’s finances

Early detection crucial, says expert, as invasive ants plague French homes

We cover tips on how to minimise the risk of pests in your home throughout the year

MAP: Wolves have returned to most French departments

Gironde is the latest department to confirm the presence of the animal after a century of absence