Owners of stray animals will be fined in this municipality

This is a measure rarely adopted by a municipal council in France. As our colleagues from France Bleu report, last May, the town of Montpon-Ménestérol (Dordogne) adopted the principle of “invoicing for stray animals”.

The goal is simple: to make owners of stray dogs or cats responsible, to reduce the city's costs, which are far too high for the tastes of the mayor, Rozenn Rouiller. Questioned by the newspaper, she justified the decision of the elected officials: “I am not for repression in the first place, but they are often the same people,” explains the councilor, “they are repeat offenders. »

18 fines issued in one month

This decision also results from a general discontent among municipal agents, who have made themselves heard. Indeed, an intervention of this type, not planned in an employee's daily schedule, generates a notable loss for the town hall, in addition to having to cover possible veterinary, water and kibble costs.

These owners now risk a fine of at least 50 euros. The town hall reserves the right to add 15 euros per night spent in a kennel and 40 euros if the dog or cat is transported to the SPA. Finally, Rozenn Rouiller specified that in the event of non-payment, the file would be recovered by public finances. Since the measure was implemented in September, 18 fines have already been issued.