Wild animals gain new rights under French law.
The Honorable Barbara Pompili, Minister for the Ecological Transition, has announced several bans that will progressively prioritize animal welfare. With the goal of phasing out dolphinariums, it is now forbidden for France’s three marine parks to bring in or breed new orcas and dolphins. Raising mink on fur farms will be outlawed by 2025. And in the coming years, traveling circuses will no longer be allowed to keep wild animals, such as lions, elephants, bears, tigers, monkeys and others. The government has pledged an aid package of more than €8 million to support animal shows as they adapt to the regulations and transform their business model. Thank you, Madam Minister for the Ecological Transition, for ushering in a new era of compassion. May all of our animal co-inhabitants enjoy freedom and safety from harm in God’s elevating embrace.