Nearly 45,000 animals taken care of in 2023 by the SPA, especially cats

Europe 1 with AFP // Photo credits: Pixabay 9:07 a.m., January 22, 2024

The Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) took care of 44,844 abandoned or mistreated animals in 2023, a figure up 1.5% over one year which almost reached the 2019 record, while adoptions started to decline again, she said Monday.

Last year, the SPA took in 28,652 cats, 13,124 dogs, 2,894 new pets or NAC (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, ferrets, etc.) and 174 equines, as well as some farm animals.

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A figure down 1.5%

In terms of adoptions, 40,587 animals found a new owner last year, a figure down 1.5% compared to 2022. The SPA was thus able to place 25,228 cats, 12,476 dogs and 2,767 NAC.

Good news: the return rate remains low after adoption to the SPA, at 3.2% (-0.7 points compared to 2022).

Consequence of this increase in animal receptions and the drop in adoptions: the 64 shelters “were saturated throughout the year”, regrets the institution in a press release.

The SPA particularly deplores the increase in NAC support for several years.

“These small animals, very representative of the animal object, are often acquired without a thoughtful plan,” she disapproves.

The increase in abandonments of "fashionable" dogs with special needs requiring special knowledge (such as Malinois or Australian Shepherds) has at the same time contributed to the saturation of shelters.

In 2023, the SPA concluded “a historic partnership to combat animal abuse” with the Ministries of the Interior and Agriculture, in order to better manage abuse.

In the field, 1,139 volunteer investigator delegates from the SPA processed 27,642 reports (+16% in one year) and conducted 17,819 investigations last year.

They saved 3,884 animals from abuse, according to the press release.

The association also enabled the sterilization of 5,523 stray cats.