France’s animal shelters reach capacity as holidaymakers dump pets at roadside

Protection group appeals for funds after accepting 12,000 animals since beginning of summer

French animals rescue centres say they have reached saturation" with abandoned pets this summer.

More than 100,000 pets are abandoned to fend for themselves in France every year, more than half of them dumped just before or during long summer holidays when they are often found next to routes heading for the coast or countryside. Last summer, 60,000 pets were dumped, and animal rescuers say the figure is expected to be higher this year.