Stop at the Rousset Pet Show

The association ARGOS42, committed to animal protection, is launching this petition to question the holding of the pet fair on 3 and 4 October 2026 in Rousset, les Écuries Campagne Blanche (private building).

Behind a festive appearance, these events trivialise a problematic trade: animals are displayed as mere products, intended to trigger impulsive purchases.

This sales model raises serious ethical, legislative, and societal concerns, especially as France holds the unfortunate European record for abandonment, with over 330,000 animals abandoned each year. [1] In this context, how can we still promote the sale of puppies when shelters are overflowing with animals in search of a home?

The paradox is striking: under the guise of celebration and affection, these fairs perpetuate a commercial logic that ignores the reality of animal suffering.

Non-compliance with the legal reflection period: a common drift

In the emotional and commercial atmosphere of puppy fairs, purchases are often made on a whim. This haste goes against Article L214-8 of the Rural Code, which imposes a 7-day reflection period before any adoption or acquisition of an animal. This reflection time, established to limit hasty decisions with sometimes severe consequences, is too often ignored at such events.

Our request to the town hall and the organisers

We, the signatories of this petition, request:

At the equestrian centre le marais en selle:

• to no longer host puppy fairs in its premises;
  
• to take a clear stance against these practices that are contrary to ethics and animal protection.
  

To local elected officials:

• to use their powers, including their role as judicial police officers to observe criminal offences in the municipal territory;
  
• to inform senators, representatives of local authorities in accordance with Article 39 of the Constitution, in order to evolve the legislative framework in this area.
  

To the decentralised state services:

• to ensure systematic control of the condition of animals as well as compliance with health and animal protection standards;
  
• to ensure cooperation with local elected services to promote the defence of animal rights.
  

Finally, beyond this local event, we call for a national reflection on the future of puppy fairs in France.
In a context of animal overpopulation and massive abandonments, we urge public authorities to gradually consider ending these pet sales events, in order to prioritise responsible models focused on shelter adoption and combating abandonment.

Together against puppy fairs: let’s mobilise for responsible adoption

The association ARGOS 42 is engaged in a national campaign to raise awareness about the excesses of puppy fairs and defend another vision: that of thoughtful adoption, respectful of animal welfare.

Alongside citizens, we are working to change the law. That is why we support the proposal submitted by MP Ian Boucard, which aims to ban these events. We request that this text be placed on the parliamentary agenda as soon as possible.

--> Learn more about the association: www.argos42.org
--> Learn more about our fight: Puppy Fair – ARGOS 42

Want to take action? Inform? Testify?

Share your experience, support our actions, or get advice:

Contact us here: argos42.org/contactez-argos-42

This message denounces a general issue related to the sale of animals at fairs. It does not constitute a targeted accusation against any particular organiser.

[1] Source: Data from I-CAD provided via the National Assembly on 11 March 2025, 330,855 animals were abandoned in France during the year 2022

https://questions.assemblee-nationale.fr/q17/17-127QE.htm