A recent study conducted by the SPA (Société Protectrice des Animaux) and the Affinity Foundation, presented in Paris, reveals that over 84,000 dogs and cats were turned away last year due to a lack of space in France’s animal care facilities. These structures—880 in total—hosted around 391,000 animals, but faced significant strain. The study, titled "Abandoned animals and those who care for them," highlights that the care of abandoned animals in France is almost entirely managed by non-profit organizations. These groups face numerous challenges, including a shortage of space, volunteers, potential adopters, and insufficient support from public authorities. In 2025, the situation worsened, with more than 45,000 cats and nearly 39,000 dogs being turned away due to a lack of space. The study is based on responses from 880 shelters, associations, and foster families, out of more than 3,000 structures that care for cats and dogs. The fate of these refused animals is difficult to track, as they may be kept by their original owners, given up in poor conditions to the first person willing to take them, abandoned in the wild, or taken in by another facility. Of the animals that are accepted, the majority—280,000 cats, or 72% of the total—come from stray populations. The study notes that many of these are kittens under six months old, emphasizing the need for sterilization and identification programs. These measures can help reduce the number of strays and allow some to be adopted or released as "free cats," a legal status that provides them with some level of protection. Dogs, on the other hand, make up the remaining 111,000 animals taken in, and they are mostly adults who have been directly abandoned by their owners. The study points out that certain breeds, such as molosses (like Rottweilers and American Bullies) and Belgian Malinois, are overrepresented. These breeds often face challenges in adoption due to misconceptions, lack of proper training, or legal restrictions. Many of the abandoned animals come from life changes such as moving or divorce, behavioral issues, or unwanted litters. On average, these animals stay in care facilities for six months before being adopted, though some remain for their entire lives. The study underscores the need for greater support for the non-profit sector, better public policies, and increased awareness about responsible pet ownership. It also highlights the importance of sterilization programs and fostering environments that can help reduce the number of abandoned animals and provide better care for those already in need of shelter.