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Sat 31st Jul 2010 |
The SPA (La Société Protectrice des Animaux) was founded in 1845 by Etienne Pariset. It was originally devoted to the protection of horses, but over the years its protection has been extended to include other animals.
Etienne PARISET, Founder of the SPA
In 1881 came the first call to create an SPA refuge by Guy of Maupassant.
Guy of MAUPASSANT
The first SPA refuge was created in Gennevilliers (92) in 1903. It made it possible for the first time to house many animals, care for, sterilize and find new homes for them.
In 1948 after the war, now having thousands of members, the SPA decided to create a special section for young people. The aim of the 'SPA jeunes' section was, with the approval of the ministry for education, to educate children with respect to animals. Today, the SPA jeunes include several thousands of 8-18 year olds from all over France.
During the Eighties, the SPA was particularly busy, not only creating more refuges, but also several dispensaries, to accommodate people who, due to the economic crises, could not afford to look after or sterilize their pet. The financial crises also created an increase in the number of pets being abandoned.
In 1982 the SPA brought out a magazine, ANIMAUX, which became a useful tool in their arsenal with which to educate the public on the fate of many animals and to spearhead their campaigns against hunting, vivisection etc.
In 1987 a Parliamentary study group for animal protection was created with the French National Assembly, thanks largely to the action of its president Roland Nungesser.
In 1992 to fight the growing problem of animal trafficking, the SPA created an anti-trafficking cell, to uncover and put a stop to the problem.
In 1993 the SPA worked in conjunction with its European counterparts to create an official European service, which made it possible to create or modify the laws set out by the European commission and parliament.
On March 1, 1994 a new penal code came into force, thanks largely to the efforts of the SPA. This made it an offence to commit acts of cruelty to animals - punishable by two years in prison and/or a 30 000 euro fine and to ill-treat animals - punishable by fines between 457 and 762 euros.
In 1995 the SPA celebrated its 150th birthday.
There are now more than 55 refuges throughout France who collect over 45 000 cats and dogs each year, accommodate them, look after them, sterilize them and find them a new family.
Information courtesy of www.spa.asso.fr
Page last updated: 07-12-2007.
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