Animals

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

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

magazine

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

Jellyfish spotted at beaches in south of France: how to check which beaches are safe

Interactive maps can show where they have been noted in recent days

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

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

Disorderly pets can wreak havoc on gardens

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

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

Snakes can be kept as pets under certain conditions

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

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

Fears of a large colony in the Var department and beyond, as aggressive animals threaten pets and local biodiversity

France's first national park is an outdoor haven

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Parc National de la Vanoise, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

Associations campaign to stop culling of 500 chamois in France

Animal activists have condemned what they see as ‘slaughter’, but hunters have denied this

Tiger mosquitoes are still biting in France in November - wlll it end soon?

The insect can spread disease and is found in many areas of the country

Brittany steps up fight against rising numbers of wild boar

Global warming is enabling the boar to proliferate which brings higher risks to roads, trains, farms, and private residents

Dog thefts on rise in France: what breeds are being targeted and where

More than 20,000 dogs were reported as lost nationwide in 2023

Confirmed: animal spotted in Gironde, south-west France, is a wolf

The prefect is now organising a ‘surveillance cell’ to decide on the next steps and protect farmer livestock

Call for safer pet travel measures at French borders

Animal advocates push for enhanced security at ports and Eurotunnel to prevent animals escaping during microchip checks

‘Humpback whale’ spotted in Seine river

Animal is often seen on French coast but rarely travels inland

Car hits 12 boars on motorway in Normandy: three people injured

Road closed for nearly an hour after incident

PHOTO: Driver crosses camel on a road in the west of France

The animal had escaped from a nearby travelling circus and taken a stroll

Vulture attacks and injures woman in her garden in France

It is believed to be the first attack of its kind in the country

Expert casts doubt on claims bites from French 'violin' spider killed two

'No deaths from a spider bite' have ever been recorded in France

Guide dog associations angry over post-Brexit fees to visit France

Owners face increased costs and bureaucracy to travel across the Channel

Hiker dies after Asian hornet attack in Brittany

The 77-year-old was part of a group walking on a trail near a nest at the foot of a tree

Millions of insects migrate over France from northern Europe to southern Spain

These insects travel from as far as Sweden or the UK on an instinctual, genetic basis

Dogs banned from French city water spaces after pet dies

The municipality of Lille issued the order after a dog was found to have died from blue-green algae poisoning

Why did a French vet charge a €200 ‘cremation fee’?

Pets who die must also be have information on ‘pet database’ updated

Tortoise thought to be extinct in French Pyrenees rediscovered by walkers

The species is one of the most endangered reptiles in Europe

Pet care to be part of France’s school curriculum from September 2024

The new programme will aim to teach respect and compassion for pets, in a bid to fight animal mistreatment

The charming French alpine village where goats roam free

Les Lindarets in the Haute-Savoie is an idyllic village full of history... and goats

Six French expressions around cats to use in everyday conversations

A bon chat bon rat, avoir un chat dans la gorge - how many of these do you know?

French communes share studies of local flora and fauna with residents

Town in Brittany is the latest to publish its communal biodiversity atlas

Snake bites sleeping tourist in Pau after sliding into his T-shirt

The man was taking a nap outside in grass in the Aspe Valley. It is thought he may have moved and scared the snake, which was probably seeking shade

Normandy beaches evacuated after shark spotted near coast

It was seen on Saturday and Sunday in Manche department

‘Terrifying’: Vulture attacks woman during falconry show in Lot, France

The bird swooped on the victim, leaving her with leg injuries

Two hikers bitten by sheep protection dogs in mountains near Grenoble

The pair were transported to hospital after receiving bites on their legs

Bat in France found to have rabies: advice to protect yourself

Animals can pass the virus to humans and it can be fatal

Invasive 'smelly' ants spark concern across France

As well as a nasty bite, tapinoma ants cause damage to crops, homes and utilities, and when squished smell like rancid butter

Which are the most dangerous animals in France and where are they?

Hornets, ticks, snakes, fish…and sharks? Move over Australia, France has danger too…

Hikers have chance to spot Egyptian vultures in southern France

Three vulture couples have been spotted in southern France, offering a unique observation opportunity before their migration

Helicopter rescues hiker in Alps after ‘patou’ dogs attack

The woman was rescued after calling the police and taking refuge in a tree

Spot dolphins and whales on cross Channel UK-France ferry

Passengers are invited to access the ferry decks and record observations on a special app

No sharks…but a crocodile, snake and piranha: animals found in Seine

The Paris mayor has kept her pledge to swim in the river ahead of the Olympics…but we look at some of the exotic creatures that have been found in its waters in recent years