No need to own a dog or even be interested in the canine species – at Marais Mood, in fact, we are more cat people – to sympathize with the difficulties of dog owners in Paris. They legitimately want to offer the best possible life to their pet. This involves access to dedicated spaces, where cocker spaniels, labradors, Australian shepherds and other jack russells could stretch their legs, without a leash, frolicking breathlessly.
But there are two problems: the lack of space and cohabitation with the anti-dogs among whom are (and we can understand them) many parents of young children - not very numerous, it is true, concerned about the safety of their offspring. “Some parents, on the contrary, come with their children to pet the dogs,” notes a master.
In the Marais, the problem is particularly acute. If the mayors of other Parisian districts, which are better equipped with green spaces open to canines, have found something to satisfy pet owners, the same is not true in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.
© Axel G.
As part of an experiment, the garden of the Lamavoine hotel (4th), rue des Franc-Bourgeois, was made available to the animals for several months. Access to this space was authorized in the morning over a two-hour window and in the evening. Ritchie, Chronos, Hyko, Schweppes and Moka could run without being on a leash. The teachers were delighted. The doggies too. Local residents, less so. Because of the noise pollution…
“Cohabitation with dogs was not always easy. Not to mention the lawns which had been ravaged,” explained Mayor (PS) of Paris Center Ariel Weil to Le Parisien, in an article dated September 2 entitled “Paris: The fed up of dog owners”. And the elected official added: “We tried to adjust the schedules but, at the end of the experiment, it turned out that it did not work and that we had to find another site. »
The experiment ended last June. While waiting for a suitable solution (there is talk of an enclosed space on the Les Halles side or on the banks of the Seine), the owners meet in Square George-Cain, rue Payenne, opposite the Swedish Institute .
© Axel G.
As in all public gardens without a children's play area, their four-legged companions are accepted there, provided they are kept on a leash. A rule not always respected (because the idea, remember, is to let the animals run) and punished with a fine of 35 euros when it is not followed. Dangerous dogs of the first and second categories (rottweiler, mastiffs, pitbull, tosa, American Staffordshire) continue to be obviously prohibited.
“Like humans, dogs need to meet and socialize,” explains an owner we met in the square. It is vital for their development. As a result, they feel much better about themselves and are less aggressive. Their well-being reflects on that of their masters and, even, that of local residents. We absolutely have to find a place for our dogs: everyone will find something there. »
In the meantime, the owners meet in the square and on their Facebook page “We the dogs of Paris”. And they strive to convince those who want to hear them of the justness of their cause. This is why, too, they are exemplary and respectful, making sure to pick up dog droppings.
“We pay attention to this public garden because we feel good there and know that we are not the only ones to use it,” says an owner who loves the Georges-Cain garden where a statue of Aristide Maillol sits. A civic spirit that deserves to be saluted.
Georges Cain Square
8 Rue Payenne, 75003 Paris, France
Monday to Friday from 8AM to 17PM
Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Text: Katia Barillot
03.12.21
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