Sylvia, what did you think of the 2021 law?

I thought, “This is going to change things.” But then, it’s always the same issue: there’s the law, and then there’s how it’s enforced. If we pass a law banning electric collars but don’t communicate about it, nothing will actually change. That’s what happened with the law on categorized dog breeds. It took time for public opinion to catch up. Communication is key. In France, we’re rather behind when it comes to animal welfare. There are other priorities before that. So this progress is already essential.

In your opinion, what are the areas that still need improvement regarding animal abuse?

Probably the law on categorized dog breeds. We know very well it’s a “racist” law that dates back to dog fighting. Pit bulls and Rottweilers still suffer from that bad reputation. But let’s be clear: dangerousness isn’t just about breed. A poodle can be just as dangerous as a mastiff. In fact, across Europe, the banned breeds vary from country to country. Some breeds are simply predisposed to physical or behavioral issues that can lead to aggressive behavior. We’ve created breeds based on physical standards, when behavioral traits are far more important. The selection process at dog shows is basically modeling. But that’s not what we should be asking of a dog in the first place.

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