The French Senate recently passed a new animal welfare bill. The new law stipulates that pet stores will be prohibited from selling cats and dogs from 2024, dolphin and killer whale performances will be banned from 2026, and circuses will be banned from using wild animals in tours from 2028.

France will ban pet shops from selling dogs and cats from 2024 as part of efforts to prevent abandonment.

Under a new animal welfare law approved by the Senate on Thursday, licensed breeders and shelters will be among the few options for would-be owners.

Owners will also be required to sign a commitment certificate confirming their knowledge of the needs of the animals. The purchase contract can be canceled within 7 days.

The provisions are designed to prevent impulsive buying, which is a factor behind abandonment.

The provisions are designed to prevent impulsive buying, which is a factor behind abandonment of cats and dogs.

A pet food industry association says nearly 22 million dogs and cats are kept as pets in France. But according to animal welfare groups, 100,000 are abandoned every year.

A pet food industry association says nearly 22 million dogs and cats are kept as pets in France. But animal welfare groups point out that 100,000 cats and dogs are abandoned every year.

A lawmaker who cosponsored the bill welcomed its adoption as a historic first step.

A lawmaker who supported the bill welcomed the passage of the bill, calling it a historic first step.

The law also bans dolphin and orca shows from 2026, and the use of wild animals in traveling circuses from 2028.

A representative of a circus association vowed to stage a protest, saying that no show animals are abused and the law is arbitrary.

A representative of a circus association vowed to stage a protest, saying that no show animals are abused and the law is arbitrary.