Former employees and volunteers at the Société Protectrice des Animaux shelter in Ordan-Larroque, in the Gers department of southwestern France, have come forward to report widespread workplace dysfunction, safety breaches, and alleged animal abuse.
A group of nearly ten individuals gathered at a home in Gers on September 25 to voice concerns over what they described as a harmful working environment within the local animal charity. Speaking under condition of anonymity due to fears of professional or personal repercussions, the group called for an immediate reorganization of the facility.
The collective focused on two main areas of concern, citing animal welfare standards alongside the working conditions imposed on shelter staff and volunteers.
Allegations of animal abuse
Central to the claims is an incident reported to have occurred at the Ordan-Larroque facility in March. Witnesses among the group alleged that another individual working at the shelter subjected a dog to physical violence, striking the animal multiple times in the snout, dragging it by its collar, and throwing it twice against a wall.
Members of the group also raised questions regarding the enforcement of safety guidelines designed to protect handlers during animal interactions. They cited an incident in July when a female volunteer suffered a severe bite to the calf from a dog.
According to testimonies gathered by the group, internal safety protocols required handlers to consult with a trained keeper before handling that specific dog. The collective stated that this instruction was not followed, resulting in the volunteer requiring hospital treatment.
Workplace pressure and health concerns
Beyond specific incidents involving animals, several former workers described a pervasive atmosphere of stress and malaise within the shelter. They reported receiving work-related phone calls outside normal operating hours, experiencing constant surveillance, and being subjected to demeaning comments on a daily basis.
Multiple individuals stated that the demanding work environment led to episodes of severe exhaustion and depression. The group asserted that France's labour inspection authority intervened and issued a formal notice to the shelter regarding the prevention of psychosocial risks in the workplace, though the document could not be independently inspected.
Demands for shelter reorganization
Rather than seeking systematic punishments, the collective emphasized that their primary goal is a comprehensive overhaul of how the Ordan-Larroque shelter operates. They called for clear boundaries defining the roles of the board of directors, paid staff, and unpaid volunteers.
One member stated that internal disciplinary measures should apply equally to everyone, noting that board members and volunteers ought to face the same accountability as staff when issues arise. The group urged management to establish a safe working environment free from pressure, ensuring both worker safety and animal care.
Management response and background
The new president of the SPA du Gers declined to comment directly on the specific allegations made by the collective when contacted for response. However, she confirmed that she has filed a formal complaint for defamation with the Public Prosecutor following a series of wild flyposting campaigns and social media posts targeted at the shelter management.
The Société Protectrice des Animaux is France's primary animal protection organization, operating local shelters across French departments to care for abandoned, abused, or judicially seized animals. The Gers branch in Ordan-Larroque has faced recurring operational pressures, including temporary suspensions of adoptions due to health outbreaks such as ringworm and giardiasis, as well as heightened public scrutiny following the indictment of a former president.
