This Monday, September 16, 2024, Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, inaugurated a new shelter in the French commune of Peille. This space dedicated to collecting and caring for animals is managed by the Monaco Society for the Protection of Animals.
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The Principality of Monaco is committed to the protection of animals in Peille
Almost two years ago to the day, on September 12, 2022, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco were in exactly the same place, in Peille. The environment has changed somewhat since in 2022, the princely couple had traveled to lay the first stone of the construction site of a new animal shelter.
On September 16, 2024, Prince Albert II, 66, and Princess Charlene, 46, were back in Peille, now in front of a building. The new refuge was built in just twenty-four months, under the direction of the MBO architectural firm. This building, which fits perfectly into the environment, is located in the heart of a natural area, at an altitude of 700 meters. The Monegasque government explains that everything is being done to ensure that the place is “a true haven of peace for animals in distress.”
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Inauguration and blessing of the new shelter of the SPA Monaco
This 1675m refuge2 although located in France, is managed by the Monaco Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), a society of which Princess Charlene is the president. The Monegasque authorities and local French authorities, including the mayor of Peille, Cyril Piazza, were present at the inauguration ceremony. The members of the SPA board of directors and various collaborators attended the unveiling of the commemorative plaque of the inauguration by the sovereigns. Camille Gottlieb, daughter of Princess Stephanie, was among the witnesses of this event which also offered a series of touching photos when the sovereigns met the first residents.
“This event marks a key step in the Principality’s commitment to abandoned and mistreated animals”explains the Monegasque government. In fact, the shelter has a capacity of 40 dogs and 50 cats. A space provided for quarantines can accommodate up to 6 dogs and 7 cats at the same time. New pets are also welcome there as well as certain emergencies for birds. In order to open this shelter under the best auspices, Father Pasquale Traetta proceeded to the blessing of the building to conclude the inauguration ceremony.