Animal abandonment is a tough issue affecting societies everywhere. In France, this problem is especially serious, earning the country the unwanted title of “European Champion” in animal abandonment. This stark reality is spotlighted in a campaign by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation. Launched on June 18, 2019, the campaign aims to highlight how severe animal neglect and abandonment have become, urging people to take notice and make a difference.

Shocking Numbers: How Big Is the Problem?

The stats from this campaign are eye-opening. Every year, 100,000 animals are abandoned in France, with a staggering 60,000 left behind just during the summer months. These figures point to a deep societal problem that needs immediate attention. The campaign uses various media forms to spread awareness, including a powerful video that shows different scenarios of animal abandonment.

This video acts like an “electroshock,” meant to wake up viewers to the fact that it’s not just bad guys abandoning pets—it could be your neighbor or even a family member. As Reha Hutin, President of 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, puts it: “It’s our shameful record. It’s an electroshock campaign! We’ve been repeating ourselves every summer for 30 years. We need to stand firm and say enough is enough.”

What Makes This Campaign Stand Out?

The campaign video features typical household pets—dogs, cats, hamsters, and rabbits—all vulnerable to being abandoned. By showing these animals, the foundation hopes people will feel empathy and take action when they see their own pets in these situations.

Adding another layer of emotion is the music choice—a song by Queen. This isn’t random; it ties back to band members’ support for animal rights. Brian May, Queen’s guitarist, actively defends animal rights, while lead singer Freddie Mercury was known for his love of cats, having eight at one time. Reha Hutin shares: “We were fortunate that Queen allowed us to use this track because Brian May…is passionate about defending animals… Freddie Mercury loved cats and had eight at home.”

Getting Everyone Involved

To reach as many people as possible, the campaign video is available on YouTube and on the official site of 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation. By tapping into digital platforms, they aim to engage audiences across all demographics.

The message here is straightforward: abandoning animals is widespread and needs society’s collective effort to tackle it. Hutin emphasizes: “What we show is real life; it’s not some villain who abandons… it’s your neighbor or cousin—just regular folks.” This calls on everyone to think about their behavior towards animals.

Addressing animal abandonment takes more than just raising awareness—it requires changing behaviors and attitudes among pet owners and society as a whole. By pointing out France’s alarming status as Europe’s leader in animal abandonment, this campaign hopes to spark reflection and prompt action among viewers.

As readers absorb these insights into France’s battle with animal abandonment, they’re encouraged not only to consider their role in preventing such events but also to push for stronger actions that safeguard vulnerable animals from neglect and harm.

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