The French Association on Human and Animal Interaction (AFIRAC) offers the following recommendations to ensure the success of programs that integrate animals in cities:

  1. The integration of animals in the city, like any other causes of general interest, must be a priority for the local government.
  2. The local government must delegate responsibility to a local representative or official responsible for supervising and coordinating different departments involved (open spaces, roads and highways, health and sanitation, education, police, etc.).
  3. The program must address the needs of all types of people and users including children, elders, motorists, people with disabilities, and non-pet owners.
  4. Urban public areas in the city should be organized so they offer the city dweller clear information about where his pet is permitted on-leash and off-leash.
  5. Effective facilities and installations can be built inexpensively as part of widening roads.
  6. An action program should be launched at a few strategic pilot sites that will serve as examples.
  7. The program should be strengthened and upgraded by repeated information and an educational campaign.
  8. External support, such as key local opinion leaders, must be identified and these supporters must be included in the project team.
  9. Dog training workshops need to be organized and marketed to dog owners.
  10. Town agents must be provided with adequate training on the subject of responsible pet ownership and pet management activities in the city.
  11. Follow-up and evaluation studies must be implemented to ensure the success of these recommendations.

 

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